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Celebrating South Africa’s sports stars

Location: News

Celebrating South Africa's sports stars

South Africans will celebrate South Africa’s sports achievements and the Springboks World Cup victory on Friday, after President Cyril Ramaphosa declared 15 December a public holiday.

The Boks clinched a hard fought and historic victory during a tough encounter against New Zealand in the 2023 Rugby World Cup final held in Paris in October.

The Boks are the only national team who have won the Rugby World Cup four times.

In an address to nation shortly after the win and following public calls for a public holiday to celebrate the victory and sports achievements in true South African style, President Ramaphosa said the holiday would only be held after the matric final exams.

“In celebration of the Springboks’ momentous achievement and the achievements of all our other sports men and women, and as a tribute to the resolve of our united nation, I am declaring Friday the 15th of December 2023 as a public holiday.

“We declare this to be a day of hope, a day of celebration and unity. Our sports men and women have shown us what is possible. We will succeed and we will ensure that we leave no one behind,” President Ramaphosa said.

The year 2023 has been a glittering year for South African sports and its stars. Notable achievements include:

  • The Springbok’s Rugby World Cup victory in October.
  • Banyana Banyana’s progression into the knockout stages of the FIFA Women’s World Cup (the first South African senior football side to do so) following their maiden Women’s Africa Cup of Nations victory in 2022.
  • KG Montjane became the first South African woman in 40 years to win a French Open title after she and her Japanese partner Yui Kamiji, clinched the doubles wheelchair final in June.
  • South African swimming sensation Tatjana Schoenmaker won her first ever world title at the World Aquatics Championships held in Japan in July.
  • The South African Special Olympics team returned from the Special Olympics World Games held in June with 22 gold, 20 silver and seven bronze medals.
  • South Africa’s successful hosting of the Netball World Cup which was held on African soil for the first time in its history. The tournament was held during July and August.
  • The Momentum Proteas – South Africa’s women’s national team – reached the finals of the Women’s T20 World Cup final held in Cape Town in February.
  • The Proteas reached the semi-finals of the Cricket World Cup held in India in November.

Earlier this week in his newsletter to the nation, the President urged South Africans to come together to “remind ourselves of everything that we love about South Africa”.

The President called on South Africans to mark a special public holiday to celebrate the historic victory of the Springboks in the Rugby World Cup.

“Their victory, alongside many other achievements by South Africans on the global stage, is a reminder of our country’s tremendous strengths and the promise that it holds.

“Let us come together on Friday to remind ourselves of everything that we love about South Africa. Let it be a day of hope, celebration and unity. I wish all South Africans a safe, peaceful and restful festive season as we all prepare for a successful new year,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

NeoB
Thu, 12/14/2023 - 11:50

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Read moreCelebrating South Africa’s sports stars

African Development Bank approves $300 million for energy governance and climate resilience

Location: News

African Development Bank Group (AfDB)
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The Board of Directors of the African Development Bank Group (www.AfDB.org) has approved a $300 million loan to South Africa to implement its Energy Governance and Climate Resilience Programme.

The Programme prepared in collaboration with other development partners including the World Bank and KfW Development Bank (KfW), will help advance South Africa's energy transition.

It will spur economic growth by furthering structural reforms to restore energy security, promote private sector participation in the electricity market and enhance the operational efficiency of the national power utility Eskom in line with South Africa's Energy Action Plan and the Just Energy Transition Investment Plan (JET IP) 2023–2027.

The Programme will accelerate mitigation and adaptation efforts by promoting renewable energy generation and shifting businesses to low-carbon activities, resulting in lowering the carbon footprint of the South African economy and improving financing for green projects. These expected outcomes align with South Africa's updated Nationally Determined Contribution and the country's Long-term Low-Emissions Development Strategy.

It will ensure the security and affordability of energy for families and small businesses. It will enable the government to increase budget allocations to connect electricity to poor households and establish a mechanism to encourage families and micro- and medium-sized businesses to invest in renewable energy.

The reform priorities discussed with the Government are designed to complement and create synergies with existing support from the African Development Bank and other development finance institutions for the Just Energy Transition.

Through a $629 800 (470 000 UA) grant with co-financing from the Climate Insurance Fund, the Bank will provide support to ensure affected communities are not left behind, crowd in more women as decision-makers and support young entrepreneurs, especially women, to build skills and create jobs for the green economy.

South Africa's country's Energy Governance and Climate Resilience Programme aligns with the African Development Bank's ‘High 5' strategic priorities, especially "Light up and Power Africa", "Industrialise Africa", and "Improve the quality of life for the people of Africa".

Welcoming the operation, Mrs Leila Mokaddem, Director General for Southern Africa, noted the Bank's long-term support to South Africa's energy sector. Energy has the largest share of the Bank's portfolio at 43.4%. The programme complements this support and aligns with the recently approved Country Strategy Paper (CSP) for South Africa, which recognizes the centrality of Energy reforms to achieve economic growth and improve business confidence.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

Editor's note: A previous version of this press release issued 31 October 2023, included references to potential contribution from the Government of Canada. This has been removed.

Media Contact:
Mansour Diouf
Communication and External Relations Department
Email: media@afdb.org

About the African Development Bank Group:
The African Development Bank Group is Africa's premier development finance institution. It comprises three distinct entities: the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Development Fund (ADF) and the Nigeria Trust Fund (NTF). On the ground in 41 African countries with an external office in Japan, the Bank contributes to the economic development and the social progress of its 54 regional member states. For more information: www.AfDB.org.

Read moreAfrican Development Bank approves $300 million for energy governance and climate resilience

President establishes Presidential PhD Initiative to boost innovation

Location: News

President establishes Presidential PhD Initiative to boost innovation

President Cyril Ramaphosa announced on Tuesday that government has established the Presidential PhD Initiative through an initial R1 billion investment from the National Skills Fund in efforts to boost science and technology.  

“The first phase aims to expose our country’s brightest young minds to cutting-edge thinking and research by negotiating opportunities at world-leading universities and research centres,” he explained.

President Ramaphosa announced the initiative during the inaugural Presidential Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Plenary in Pretoria. 

The President told the attendees that the studies will be to large scale and established research programmes in public research facilities and industry.

The initiative will build critical skills in artificial intelligence research, advanced biotechnology, fuel cell development, battery storage, and next-generation mining. 

The country’s first citizen has since called to extend a call to the private sector and international partners to assist in growing the investment for the Presidential PhD Initiative fund to R5 billion by 2030. 

He said collaboration is needed to ensure synergy between programmes across the national innovation system. 

“We must harness education, science and innovation to protect our natural environment, drive inclusive economic growth and enrich all areas of human endeavour.” 

The country’s Commander-in-Chief described the first plenary as an important initiative that brings together government, academia, civil society and industry to collectively drive South Africa’s National System of Innovation (NSI). 

In November 2022, the Cabinet adopted the STI Decadal Plan to guide the first 10 years of implementing the 2019 White Paper on STI.

“Science, technology and innovation are essential for economies to thrive and for societies to prosper. 

“In the new world of work, in the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, science, technology and innovation determine which countries move forward and which are left behind. Our country has several strengths.”

Citing the 2022 Global Innovation Index published by the World Intellectual Property Organisation, he said South Africa ranked above the upper-middle-income group average in three areas. 

These include market sophistication, knowledge and technology outputs, and creative outputs.

According to the index, South Africa also improved the number of patents by origin, citable documents, intellectual property receipts, high-tech manufacturing and high-tech exports. 

“However, our performance is mixed for the factors that drive innovation, such as education expenditure, expenditure on research and development and access to information technology.”

The President also highlighted significant strides in higher education including the number of students graduating from public universities from about 60 000 in 1994 to around 230 000 by 2018. 

“The share of graduates in science, engineering and technology fields has been increasing compared to graduates in the humanities.”

He also acknowledged that the State needed to significantly increase investment in research and development. 

In 2021, gross expenditure on research and development (R&D) in South Africa was 0.6% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP), far below the targeted 1.5%.

“By comparison, in 2022, the United States spent 2.6% and South Korea spent 5% of their respective GDPs on research and development. 

“This is a situation that we are determined to turn around. Through greater cooperation between government and industry, we can reverse this trend.”

President Ramaphosa is of the view that the potential of science, technology and innovation to modernise and expand the productive sectors is vast. 

He cited the Mandela Mining Precinct and the South African Mining Extraction Research, Development and Innovation initiative, which are aimed at revitalising our mining industry. 

Shifting his focus on vaccines, he said Afrigen Biologics, a South African company part-owned by the Industrial Development Corporation, is working on a new tuberculosis vaccine using mRNA technology. 

Meanwhile, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation recently allocated US$5 million to Biovac to develop mRNA vaccines using a local platform. 

“This grant enables our researchers and scientists to strengthen the pharmaceutical research and vaccine production ecosystem so that we can address both current and future health challenges.” 

He said he views innovation as the driver of sustainable job creation and small business development and tackles the realities of climate change. 

“From these examples, it is clear that we are certainly progressing, but not at the pace we should be,” he admitted. 

“For science, technology and innovation to serve South Africa’s economy and society effectively, we need to aggressively and strategically invest in education and skills development because this is the lifeblood of a modern economy.

“We know that nations such as Japan, South Korea and Germany have science, technology and innovation in the service of their societies, with commendable results.”

However, Nzimande qualified that when they talk about STI, they refer to both the natural and social sciences and humanities. 

“For it is only possible to understand, let alone solve the major developmental and existential challenges of the 21st century through invoking the insights of trans-disciplinary knowledge.” – SAnews.gov.za

 

Gabisile
Tue, 12/12/2023 - 13:58

521 views
Read morePresident establishes Presidential PhD Initiative to boost innovation

President establishes Presidential PhD Initiative to boost innovative

Location: News

President establishes Presidential PhD Initiative to boost innovative

President Cyril Ramaphosa announced on Tuesday that government has established the Presidential PhD Initiative through an initial R1 billion investment from the National Skills Fund in efforts to boost science and technology.  

“The first phase aims to expose our country’s brightest young minds to cutting-edge thinking and research by negotiating opportunities at world-leading universities and research centres,” he explained.

President Ramaphosa announced the initiative during the inaugural Presidential Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Plenary in Pretoria. 

The President told the attendees that the studies will be to large scale and established research programmes in public research facilities and industry.

The initiative will build critical skills in artificial intelligence research, advanced biotechnology, fuel cell development, battery storage, and next-generation mining. 

The country’s first citizen has since called to extend a call to the private sector and international partners to assist in growing the investment for the Presidential PhD Initiative fund to R5 billion by 2030. 

He said collaboration is needed to ensure synergy between programmes across the national innovation system. 

“We must harness education, science and innovation to protect our natural environment, drive inclusive economic growth and enrich all areas of human endeavour.” 

The country’s Commander-in-Chief described the first plenary as an important initiative that brings together government, academia, civil society and industry to collectively drive South Africa’s National System of Innovation (NSI). 

In November 2022, the Cabinet adopted the STI Decadal Plan to guide the first 10 years of implementing the 2019 White Paper on STI.

“Science, technology and innovation are essential for economies to thrive and for societies to prosper. 

“In the new world of work, in the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, science, technology and innovation determine which countries move forward and which are left behind. Our country has several strengths.”

Citing the 2022 Global Innovation Index published by the World Intellectual Property Organisation, he said South Africa ranked above the upper-middle-income group average in three areas. 

These include market sophistication, knowledge and technology outputs, and creative outputs.

According to the index, South Africa also improved the number of patents by origin, citable documents, intellectual property receipts, high-tech manufacturing and high-tech exports. 

“However, our performance is mixed for the factors that drive innovation, such as education expenditure, expenditure on research and development and access to information technology.”

The President also highlighted significant strides in higher education including the number of students graduating from public universities from about 60 000 in 1994 to around 230 000 by 2018. 

“The share of graduates in science, engineering and technology fields has been increasing compared to graduates in the humanities.”

He also acknowledged that the State needed to significantly increase investment in research and development. 

In 2021, gross expenditure on research and development (R&D) in South Africa was 0.6% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP), far below the targeted 1.5%.

“By comparison, in 2022, the United States spent 2.6% and South Korea spent 5% of their respective GDPs on research and development. 

“This is a situation that we are determined to turn around. Through greater cooperation between government and industry, we can reverse this trend.”

President Ramaphosa is of the view that the potential of science, technology and innovation to modernise and expand the productive sectors is vast. 

He cited the Mandela Mining Precinct and the South African Mining Extraction Research, Development and Innovation initiative, which are aimed at revitalising our mining industry. 

Shifting his focus on vaccines, he said Afrigen Biologics, a South African company part-owned by the Industrial Development Corporation, is working on a new tuberculosis vaccine using mRNA technology. 

Meanwhile, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation recently allocated US$5 million to Biovac to develop mRNA vaccines using a local platform. 

“This grant enables our researchers and scientists to strengthen the pharmaceutical research and vaccine production ecosystem so that we can address both current and future health challenges.” 

He said he views innovation as the driver of sustainable job creation and small business development and tackles the realities of climate change. 

“From these examples, it is clear that we are certainly progressing, but not at the pace we should be,” he admitted. 

“For science, technology and innovation to serve South Africa’s economy and society effectively, we need to aggressively and strategically invest in education and skills development because this is the lifeblood of a modern economy.

“We know that nations such as Japan, South Korea and Germany have science, technology and innovation in the service of their societies, with commendable results.”

However, Nzimande qualified that when they talk about STI, they refer to both the natural and social sciences and humanities. 

“For it is only possible to understand, let alone solve the major developmental and existential challenges of the 21st century through invoking the insights of trans-disciplinary knowledge.” – SAnews.gov.za

 

Gabisile
Tue, 12/12/2023 - 13:58

14 views
Read morePresident establishes Presidential PhD Initiative to boost innovative

South Africa: African Development Bank approves $1 billion guarantee from the United Kingdom to support SA’s Just Energy Transition

Location: News

African Development Bank Group (AfDB)
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The Board of Directors of the African Development Bank Group (www.AfDB.org) has approved a $1 billion guarantee program in collaboration with the UK Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), which will allow the Bank to increase its lending capacity in support of South Africa's Just Energy Transition (JET).

Developed in close collaboration with the government of the Republic of South Africa, the program will support projects aligned with South Africa's JET investment plan, such as transmission and grid-balancing storage, renewable energy generation, energy efficiency, rehabilitation of municipal electricity delivery, green hydrogen, new electric vehicles. It also includes projects addressing the “just” dimension, notably in the Province of Mpumalanga, in the north-eastern part of the country, bordering Swaziland and Mozambique.

The approval, coming during COP28, where ramping-up climate finance is an issue, is timely and topical. African Development Bank Vice President for Power, Energy, Climate and Green Growth, Dr. Kevin Kariuki observed: “this is another innovative operation that reaffirms AfDB's leadership in crafting financial solutions to increase access to climate finance for Africa's low carbon development and net zero ambitions.”

Melinda Bohannon, Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office Director General of Humanitarian and Development stated,” FCDO remains committed to the Just Energy Transition Partnership with South Africa, which supports green growth and jobs, improves energy security, and helps South Africa achieve its carbon reduction ambitions as set out in its National Determined Contribution.  This guarantee will unlock funds for projects within the remit of South Africa's recently released Just Energy Transition implementation plan. This comes alongside the recently significantly increased grant offer from the International Partners Group, and we are using some of those grants to help develop an investment project pipeline”.

Mmakgoshi Lekhethe, Deputy-Director General for Asset and Liability Management in South Africa's National Treasury commented, “We are pleased with the approval by the AfDB Board of the guarantee framework that will increase South Africa's access to funding from the Bank by $1 billion. This marks an important partnership between our government, the UK and AfDB to enhance our ability to implement South Africa's just energy transition in a way that is just and socially responsible. We look forward to working closely with the AfDB on the preparation and financing of a pipeline of programs and projects under our just transition priority areas, including those identified in the JET Implementation Plan. As a development bank with vast experience in just transition in the continent, the AfDB is an ideal partner for us on this important initiative”.

Max Ndiaye, Director of Syndications, Co-financing and Client Solutions, noted previous collaboration between the Bank and FCDO, and applauded this transaction as further demonstration of the Bank's continued efforts to heed the G20 recommendations on capital adequacy that call for increased collaboration and additional shareholder support for the balance sheet optimization of MDBs.

“By enabling the Bank to increase its lending capacity, this landmark guarantee agreement will greatly support South Africa's Just Energy Transition,” noted African Development Bank Director General for Southern Africa, Leila Mokaddem. “The African Development Bank remains committed to accompanying South Africa on this important journey," she added.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

Link to Images: https://apo-opa.co/4afJ94I

Contact:
Amba Mpoke-Bigg
Communication and External Relations Department
email: media@afdb.org

Technical contact:
Max Ndiaye
Director of Syndications
Co-financing and Client Solutions

About the African Development Bank Group:
The African Development Bank Group is Africa's premier development finance institution. It comprises three distinct entities: the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Development Fund (ADF) and the Nigeria Trust Fund (NTF). On the ground in 41 African countries with an external office in Japan, the Bank contributes to the economic development and the social progress of its 54 regional member states. For more information: www.AfDB.org

Read moreSouth Africa: African Development Bank approves $1 billion guarantee from the United Kingdom to support SA’s Just Energy Transition

Cape Town is the second round of HSBC SVNS 2024, featuring the top 12 men’s and 12 women’s teams in the world

Location: Sport
World Rugby

The stage is set for HSBC SVNS Cape Town on 9-10 December at DHL Stadium as the world's best 12 men's and women's rugby sevens teams are ready to showcase their incredible talents on the pitch.

Meanwhile a huge entertainment line-up, including live music, mass- participation sports activities and food from around the globe will create a vibrant festival experience for fans to enjoy off the pitch as the reinvigorated HSBC SVNS aims to take the Olympic sport to the next level.

On Wednesday the captains enjoyed a taste of Cape Town at the Oranjezicht City Farm Market in the shadows of the famous stadium, which hosted Rugby World Cup Sevens 2022.

An exciting new era for rugby sevens began in Dubai on 2-3 December as the highly anticipated HSBC SVNS 2024 kicked off with South Africa men and Australia women taking victory in the opening round to lead the early standings.

VIEW POOLS AND MATCH SCHEDULE: https://apo-opa.co/41flRrj

The HSBC SVNS CPT action kicks off at 09:00 local time (GMT+2) on Saturday with the pool matches. Day two begins at 09:00 on Sunday with the quarter-finals and culminates with the women's gold medal final at 18:43, followed by the men's final at 19:23 local time. Tickets are available from R150 at Ticketmaster.

With the number of teams reduced from 16 to 12 in the men's event this year the competition will be intense from start to finish.

South Africa's hugely popular Blitzboks will play Ireland, USA and Great Britain in men's Pool A. Last season's runners-up Argentina face double Olympic champions Fiji alongside France and Spain in Pool B. Pool C sees reigning SVNS champions New Zealand take on Samoa, Australia and Canada.

South Africa men's captain Selvyn Davids said: “We thought we had a tough pool in Dubai and how close it was indeed. Our ‘reward' is yet another one this weekend and that is the beauty of this new format. Not only does every match count, the reality is that you could be defeated by any of the 12 teams if you are even slightly off your game.

“The Cape Town crowd has been a faithful one for us and it has been a while for them to celebrate a win. We have this opportunity now to give them another title. The Springboks showed the way in France, now we have a chance to make good as well.”

In the women's competition, Australia will start Pool A in confident mood following their victory in Dubai last weekend and they will come up against Fiji, Japan and Spain. Pool B sees the current SVNS title holders New Zealand together with Ireland, Brazil and Great Britain. France were impressive bronze medallists in Dubai and they will take on Canada, USA and the hosts South Africa who were promoted from the Challenger last season and will be looking to make their mark on home turf in Pool C.

South Africa women's co-captain Mathrin Simmers said: “It feels different for a number of reasons. We are at home of course and that always creates a special buzz. The fact that I missed last year's tournament through injury adds to my excitement to play.

“The real anticipation for us, going into the second tournament as the newcomers onto the series, is to see if we can back up on what we did in Dubai last week. The squad felt good about the fact that we landed on our feet in the series, took some great teams to the wire and got our first win for the season. How excited that we now get another opportunity to do it all over again.”

The competition format replicates the Olympic model and sees the top two teams from each pool, plus the best two third-placed teams qualify for the quarter-finals from where it is knockout rugby.

VIEW HSBC SVNS 2024 CALENDAR: https://www.SVNS.com/en

World Rugby's revamped and rebranded global celebration of rugby sevens is taking place across eight iconic destinations and is set to supercharge the sport's global appeal.

The new-look HSBC SVNS 2024 features seven regular season events – in Dubai, Cape Town, Perth, Vancouver, Los Angeles, Hong Kong and Singapore – before the Grand Final in Madrid. The top eight placed teams based on cumulative series points after seven events will compete in the new ‘winner-takes-all' Grand Final, where the women's and men's champions will be crowned.

Madrid will also play host to the high stakes relegation play-off competition where teams ranked ninth to 12th will join the top four teams from the World Rugby HSBC Sevens Challenger, with the top four placed teams securing their place on HSBC SVNS 2025.

The reimagined competition model means fans can expect even more excitement, entertainment and nail-biting jeopardy. And with the clock counting down until rugby sevens kicks off the Olympic Games in Paris on 24 July, 2024, the action will be hotter than ever on and off the pitch.

In line with World Rugby's commitment to grow the women's game, all HSBC SVNS events will see men's and women's teams sharing the platform equally to showcase their incredible strength, speed and skill on the biggest stages around the world.

Welcoming the teams and fans to Cape Town, Geordin Hill-Lewis, Executive Mayor of Cape Town said: “To all the players, coaching and management teams and, most importantly, the thousands of traveling fans who have made their way to Cape Town for the HSBC SVNS CPT, I wish you a very warm welcome to the Mother City.

“Sevens and Cape Town have a wonderful decade-old relationship, with our city putting on a show every year that must surely rank among the highlights of the season. For us, the annual SVNS tournament is one of the most important events on our calendar as the world tunes in to Cape Town during a magical time of the year and sees our city at its very best. We are ready to put on our best SVNS party yet, and our iconic DHL Stadium with its brand new pitch, is going to set a standard in this competition that will not easily be matched.”

WHERE TO WATCH: https://apo-opa.co/3Gz7XH6

Fans can watch the HSBC SVNS action wherever you are in the world, either via broadcaster partners or online on RugbyPass TV. All matches taking place on pitch two in Cape Town will be live streamed on RugbyPass TV.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Rugby.

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EcoFlow Powers Up the Holidays: Hold Portable Power on Your Festive Journey in December!

Location: News
EcoFlow

EcoFlow (www.EcoFlow.com), a leading provider of sustainable energy and lifestyle solutions, is amping up lights for the festive season with a chance of saving up to R37,999 throughout December. As families gear up for the holidays, EcoFlow invites you to power your celebrations with these gift ideas below, highly recommended for those who love outdoor life and care about sustainability!

EcoFlow DELTA 2: Best-Selling Portable Power Station for Family Gatherings

The DELTA 2 portable power station is perfect for those looking for backup power, especially for your holiday gatherings. With an expandable capacity of 1-3kWh and rated output of 1800W, it can power up to 13 devices, including refrigerators, telephones and even electric hobs for extended periods. Thanks to X-Stream technology it can be recharged in just 80 minutes, allowing you to always have the necessary energy available during the unpredictable period of load shedding.

EcoFlow DELTA 2, Promotional at R17,999 | Save R7,000 (https://apo-opa.co/3t4KmuS)

EcoFlow RIVER 2 Series: Compact Powerhouse for On-the-Go Adventure Lovers

With a weight of just 3.5 kg and a capacity of 256Wh, RIVER 2 is the ideal choice for outdoor activities. RIVER 2 Max, the bigger sister of the RIVER 2 series family, offers a capacity of 512Wh and a rated power of 500W. With X-Stream fast-charging, RIVER 2 Series can be fully recharged in just one hour, allowing you to always be ready for any excursion, even unplanned ones. With four different charging modes, from fast AC to in-car charging, you never run the risk of running out of energy.

The elegant and compact design makes them easy to transport for those who love spending their days camping or simply outdoors. Thanks to the LFP battery cells, these RIVER 2 Series and DELTA 2 power stations guarantee a life of 10 years with 3,000 cycles, being the trustful and powerful companion for next ten festive seasons.

EcoFlow RIVER 2, Promotional at R3,999 | Save R3,000 (https://apo-opa.co/3sTZV8N)
EcoFlow RIVER 2 Max, Promotional at R7,999 | Save R5,000 (https://apo-opa.co/3TsFL0v)

EcoFlow Solar Panels: Effectively Harness the Power of the Sun

EcoFlow portable solar panels are the right gift for those who want to generate sustainable energy both outdoors and at home. Thanks to the two-in-one double-sided design, innovative EcoFlow 220W bifacial portable solar panels are capable of capturing up to 25% more solar energy. Lightweight, easy to transport and equipped with weather-resistant materials, when combined with EcoFlow's portable power stations, they generate clean energy anywhere and everywhere and are the perfect holiday gifts for those who care about the environment and keep an eye on the bill.

EcoFlow 220W Solar Panel, Promotional at R9,999 | Save R1,500 (https://apo-opa.co/4a3DFtD)
EcoFlow RIVER 2 Max + 220W Solar Panel, Promotional at R13,999 | Save R10,499 (https://apo-opa.co/46OB4kq)

EcoFlow Wave Portable Air Conditioner: Keep the Heated Celebrations Cool

EcoFlow understands that festive celebrations can get heated, and that's why Wave Portable Air Conditioner will be a spotlight this summer. Ecoflow Wave isn't just portable; it blasts out 4000BTU's worth of cooling thanks to its inverter compressor too. That's the most powerful air conditioner of its size. The Ecoflow Wave can run for 3 - 12 hours depending on the battery you use. Keep your gatherings cool and comfortable with this innovative portable cooling solution. With easy setup and energy efficiency, the Wave Portable Air-conditioner is the perfect addition to your holiday wish list.

EcoFlow Wave + Add-on Battery, Promotional at R23,999 | Save R14,000（Exclusive on December 18）(https://apo-opa.co/46ZkoqJ) 

Get the festive gift of power and sustainability on EcoFlow's official website (https://apo-opa.co/46Zkkat) or Takealot (https://apo-opa.co/3QXcqIn). Elevate your celebrations, stay connected, and make unforgettable memories, all while enjoying substantial savings on EcoFlow cutting-edge power solutions.

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.

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FORBES AFRICA’s 2023 Person of the Year

Location: News
Afreximbank

The President of the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) (www.Afreximbank.com), Prof. Benedict Oramah, today in Cairo received the FORBES AFRICA magazine 2023 Person of The Year award.

At a well-attended award ceremony, which also included the unveiling of the cover for FORBES AFRICA's December 2023/January 2024 edition featuring Prof. Oramah as Cover personality, Dr. Rakesh Wahi, FORBES AFRICA Founder and Publisher, and Roberta Naicker, the Managing Director, said that the award recognised the stellar accomplishments of leading Africans contributing to the development of the continent.

“With a career spanning three decades at Afreximbank, Prof. Benedict Oramah is a true pan-Africanist,” said Renuka Methil, Managing Editor of FORBES AFRICA. “In our almost hour-long interview Prof. Oramah's stellar track record, coupled with his unbridled enthusiasm, passion, and contribution to the economic development of Africa shone through.”

“Amongst many initiatives under his visionary leadership, Afreximbank launched the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) which will be a historic project for cross-border payments in local African currencies. He is a resilient risk-taker and articulated so well what a new united Africa should, and would, look like,” added Ms Renuka Methil.

Nominations for FORBES AFRICA Person of The Year are submitted by members of the magazine's editorial and research teams, including journalists from its bureaus across Africa, and a winner is selected after an Africa-wide review of the prominent contributors to the continent. Prof. Oramah's name was shortlisted and unanimously adjudged the winner for 2023.

With the award, Prof. Oramah joins a prestigious list of high achievers who had previously received the award, including Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria; Dr. James Mwangi, CEO, Equity Group; Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, President, African Development Bank; Aliko Dangote, CEO, Dangote Group; Mohammed Dewji, President, MeTL Group; and Thuli Madonsela, former Public Protector of South Africa.

On 18 November, President Oramah also received the Zik Prize in Professional Leadership at an event in Lagos, Nigeria. He is also the recipient of numerous other awards for his contributions to the development and promotion of trade in Africa, and for the many initiatives he has championed to drive intra-African trade.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Afreximbank.

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About Afreximbank:
African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) is a Pan-African multilateral financial institution mandated to finance and promote intra-and extra-African trade. For 30 years, the Bank has been deploying innovative structures to deliver financing solutions that support the transformation of the structure of Africa's trade, accelerating industrialization and intra-regional trade, thereby boosting economic expansion in Africa. A stalwart supporter of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), Afreximbank has launched a Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) that was adopted by the African Union (AU) as the payment and settlement platform to underpin the implementation of the AfCFTA. Working with the AfCFTA Secretariat and the AU, the Bank is setting up a US$10 billion Adjustment Fund to support countries to effectively participate in the AfCFTA. At the end of 2022, Afreximbank's total assets and guarantees stood at over US$31 billion, and its shareholder funds amounted to US$5.2 billion. The Bank disbursed more than US$86 billion between 2016 and 2022. Afreximbank has investment grade ratings assigned by GCR (international scale) (A), Moody's (Baa1), Japan Credit Rating Agency (JCR) (A-) and Fitch (BBB). Afreximbank has evolved into a group entity comprising the Bank, its impact fund subsidiary called the Fund for Export Development Africa (FEDA), and its insurance management subsidiary, AfrexInsure, (together, “the Group”).

For more information, visit: www.Afreximbank.com

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Read moreFORBES AFRICA’s 2023 Person of the Year

South Africa men and Australia women claimed the first titles of HSBC SVNS 2024 with victory in Dubai

Location: Sport
World Rugby

South Africa's Blitzboks overcame a spirited Argentina 12-7 to lift their fifth straight Emirates Dubai 7s trophy – equaling the record for successive titles at a single location. Although Argentina had to settle for silver it represented their best ever result in Dubai.

Interview of the Captain of South Africa is available for media to download and use for free, without authorization: https://apo-opa.co/49YdpRv

Watch the video B-roll: https://apo-opa.co/3GsZtBp

The women's final was another epic encounter between the top two teams in the world. In a replay of last years final, Australia overcame their arch rivals 26-19 to end New Zealand's winning run on 41 matches, which spanned since their loss in the Dubai final last year.

Teagan Levi touched down either side of halftime as Australia ended New Zealand's 41-match winning streak to claim their fourth consecutive title in Dubai, as the HSBC SVNS 2024 got off to an electric start.

Not to be overshadowed by her younger sister, Maddison Levi broke her own tournament try record, her 12th try of the weekend in the 13th minute was the decisive one.

The match kicked off at an astonishing speed – and did not let up. Bienne Tarita scored the opening try with just 23 seconds on the clock to set Australia on the road to the title in the 23rd final meeting between the two sides.

But the Black Ferns Sevens made it difficult for the champions. Jorja Miller touched down twice in the first five minutes en route to a hat-trick in a losing cause, before Maddison Levi settled the tournament in the closing minutes.

Australia's captain Charlotte Caslick had only praise for the younger Levi. “She's unbelievable. She's had an amazing pre-season so we're all just getting to see the hard work that she's done this year.”

And she explained the game plan for becoming the first team to beat New Zealand since last year's final in Dubai: “We wanted to hold the ball as much as possible because we know when they touch it they're dangerous. That was key for us – restarts and holding on to the ball.

“We love coming to Dubai, we love the fans here, playing in front of you guys. It's a great team and we're so proud of them. We worked really hard for this, so it's really special for us.”

New Zealand's passage to the final saw them beat Brazil 26-14 in the quarter-final before overcoming Canada 21-19 in a nail-biting finish the an exhilarating match.

Australia began the day with a convincing 32-5 quarter-final win over USA before running out 21-14 winners over France in a high quality semi-final.

Canada missed out on their first medal since winning silver in Sydney in 2020 as they were well beaten 26-5 by France who claimed the bronze medal and put in a strong performance throughout the weekend with the returning Anne-Cécile Ciofani contributing to building excitement ahead of the Olympic Games in Paris next July.

The men's final was a tense affair as South Africa narrowly overcame Argentina 12-7. Impi Visser had already crossed for the Blitzboks when Shilton van Wyk, player of the final in 2022, went over in the fifth minute to take the score to 12-0.

Argentina's Matias Osadczuk cut the deficit to five points early in the second half, after Ryan Oosthuizen was yellow carded for a dangerous tackle.

Rosko Specman came within inches of a spectacular score, but lost the ball – and ploughed into a steward – in the corner, as South Africa held off the Argentinian fightback.

With the series heading to South Africa next week, their run to the title in Dubai could not have come at a better time. Fans will be hoping they can go back to back in Cape Town next weekend.

South Africa's acting head coach Philip Snyman hailed his squad's, "amazing performances throughout the weekend".

“We said we wanted to leave everything on the field,” he said. “It doesn't matter what happens with the result – we want to look each other in the eye and have smiles on our faces. Even with the yellow card tonight, they really played each other, they played for their jersey and they restored the pride in the Springbok Sevens jersey.”

South Africa started the day strongly with a 24-7 quarter-final defeat of Australia, before overcoming Fiji 14-7 in an intense semi-final.

Argentina overcame Samoa 21-14 in the quarter-final before narrowly beating New Zealand's All Blacks Sevens 21-19 in a pulsating semi-final.

New Zealand recovered from the disappointment of their semi-final defeat to take home the bronze medals with a 17-12 victory over Fiji.

The pool draw for the next round of HSBC SVNS in Cape Town on 9-10 December took place on the pitch in Dubai following the end of play and produced some exciting match-ups as fans can now look ahead and get excited to welcoming world class rugby sevens back to the Mother City.

Women's Pool A: Australia, Fiji, Japan, Spain. Pool B: New Zealand, Ireland, Brazil, Great Britain. Pool C: France, Canada, USA, South Africa.

Men's Pool A: South Africa, Ireland, USA, Great Britain. Pool B: Argentina, Fiji, France, Spain. Pool C: New Zealand, Samoa, Australia, Canada.

Fans are encouraged not to miss the two-day extravaganza with incredible food, fitness, non-stop music including live music acts from DJ Zinhle, Jack Parow, Sun El-Musician and more, alongside the world class rugby sevens action. Tickets are available from only R150 at Ticketmaster.co.za.

The HSBC SVNS 2024 is set to supercharge the sport's global appeal and is taking place across eight iconic destinations. The new look HSBC SVNS 2024 features seven regular season events – in Dubai, Cape Town, Perth, Vancouver, Los Angeles, Hong Kong and Singapore - before the Grand Final in Madrid.

The top eight placed teams based on cumulative series points after seven events will compete in the new ‘winner takes all' Grand Final, where the women's and men's champions will be crowned.

Madrid will also play host to the high stakes relegation play-off competition where teams ranked ninth to 12th will join the top four teams from the World Rugby Sevens Challenger, with the top four placed teams securing their place on HSBC SVNS 2025.

The reimagined competition model means fans can expect even more excitement, entertainment and nail-biting jeopardy. And with the clock counting down until rugby sevens kicks off the Olympic Games in Paris on 24 July 2024, the action will be hotter than ever on and off the pitch.

In line with World Rugby's commitment to grow the women's game, all HSBC SVNS events will see men's and women's teams sharing the platform equally to showcase their incredible strength, speed and skill on the biggest stages around the world.

HSBC SVNS events deliver the ultimate in immersive experiences, a unique festival of sport, entertainment, music, culture and cuisine alongside the world's best men's and women's athletes set against the spectacular backdrops of some of the most stunning locations around the globe.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Rugby.

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EcoFlow Dominates Black Friday Sales on Takealot: Tops Portable Power Stations and Secures Top Ten Brands in South Africa

Location: News
EcoFlow

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.

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A bid to up productivity in the automotive sector

Location: MyPR

MEDIA INVITE 13 November 2023 RE: A BID TO IMPROVE SKILLS DEVELOPMENT IN THE AUTOMOTIVE SECTOR Following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) with Productivity SA and six other organisations for the implementation of a training programme called the Quality and Productivity Improvement …

Read moreA bid to up productivity in the automotive sector

Efforts To Improve Skills Development In Sa Automotive Sector

Location: MyPR

MEDIA INVITE 13 November 2023 RE: A BID TO IMPROVE SKILLS DEVELOPMENT IN THE AUTOMOTIVE SECTOR Following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) with Productivity SA and six other organisations for the implementation of a training programme called the Quality and Productivity Improvement …

Read moreEfforts To Improve Skills Development In Sa Automotive Sector

Afreximbank announces $1-billion African Film Fund

Location: News
Afreximbank

The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) (www.Afreximbank.com) is working on the establishment of a $1-billion African Film Fund to be launched in 2024 to support the continent's film industry, Kanayo Awani, Executive Vice President, Intra-African Trade Bank, at Afreximbank, announced in Cairo today.

Addressing the opening of the 2023 CANEX Summit held as part of the third Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF2023), Mrs. Awani said that the fund would oversee film financing, co-finance with large studios, finance African filmmakers and finance producers and directors of film projects across the continent.

She noted that during CANEX WKND 2022, the Bank had increased the financing it was making available to the creative sector from US$500 million to US$1 billion and that the Bank currently had a pipeline of over US$600 million in film, music, visual arts, fashion, and sports deal.

“The very first film we financed recently premiered at the Toronto Film Festival,” Mrs. Awani said, adding, “The Bank has several in the pipeline from Nigeria, South Africa, and Kenya, which should be on streaming platforms in 2024.”

Acknowledging that the film and audiovisual industries in Africa accounted for US$5 billion of the continent's GDP and employed an estimated five million people, with the potential to create over 20 million jobs and generate US$20 billion in revenues annually, Mrs. Awani noted that the sector faced several challenges, including limited access to financing and copyright infringement due to weak copyright laws, enforcement mechanisms and a lack of awareness.

The sector was also confronted with infrastructure and technology gaps, lack of capacity and shortage of skilled professionals and limited market access and international exposure, as a result of which African creative and cultural products often struggle to gain exposure and access to international markets.

Earlier, Boris Kodjoe, a celebrity actor of Ghanaian descent, highlighted how the creativity of Africans had influenced various aspects of modern life, including music, fashion, art, design, social consciousness, business, sports, film and TV. He said that the exploitation of black creativity by the West had had lasting effects and that, despite admiration of black excellence, Africa still faced branding challenges due to external perception fuelled by the traditional media's depiction of poverty, famine, civil wars and migration on the continent.

Mr. Kodjoe said that the world craved culturally specific global content and that Africa was a key player in meeting that demand. With the continent's young population and high connectivity, studios, networks, promoters and brands were investing in solutions to reach diverse audiences. Films and TV shows with diversity performed better than others by 30 per cent and Afrobeats was taking over global airwaves. By 2030, Africa was projected to produce up to 10 per cent of global creative goods export worth roughly $200 billion or four per cent of Africa's GDP.

Also speaking, H.E. Albert M. Muchanga, Commissioner for Trade and Industry of the African Union Commission, said that the creative sector in Africa was rapidly growing and making a significant contribution to the inclusive growth and sustainable development of African economies.

“I reaffirm my belief that the African creative industry has huge potential to be a source of employment and revenue to create the Africa we want - revenue from intra-African trade as well as revenue from the rest of the world.”

Ambassador Muchanga urged African nations to convert their vast potential into plans and projects that yield tangible results, stressing the need to also invest in protecting international property rights.

CANEX is an Afreximbank initiative to support Africa and the African Diaspora's creative and cultural industries by providing financing and non-financing instruments to boost growth. The seven-day CANEX Summit is intended to further develop conversations and provide additional business-to-business and business-to-government opportunities. It includes a fashion show featuring a range of bold and exciting designs from across Africa and the Diaspora and a CANEX Music Factory, hosted by renowned South African producer Oskido, which will provide songwriters and beat makers with the opportunity to record their work.

Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX) programme set up by Afreximbank seeks to facilitate the development and growth of the creative and cultural industries in Africa and the diaspora. The programme provides a range of financing and non-financing instruments and interventions aimed at supporting trade and investment in Africa's creative sector.

IATF2023, Africa's largest trade and investment fair opened on 9th November and will run till 15th November 2023.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Afreximbank.

Media contact:
Deborah Ross
Senior PR Account Director 
BrandComms
+44 (0) 759 3602 128
​deborah.ross@brandcommsgroup.com

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About the Intra-African Trade Fair:
Organised by the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), in collaboration with the African Union Commission (AUC) and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat, the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF) is intended to provide a unique platform for facilitating trade and investment information exchange in support of increased intra-African trade and investment, especially in the context of implementing the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA). IATF brings together continental and global players to showcase and exhibit their goods and services and to explore business and investment opportunities in the continent. It also provides a platform to share trade, investment and market information with stakeholders and allows participants to discuss and identify solutions to the challenges confronting intra-African trade and investment. In addition to African participants, the Trade Fair is also open to businesses and investors from non-African countries interested in doing business in Africa and in supporting the continent's transformation through industrialisation and export development.

For more information, please visit www.IntrAfricanTradeFair.com

About Afreximbank:
African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) is a Pan-African multilateral financial institution mandated to finance and promote intra-and extra-African trade. For 30 years, the Bank has been deploying innovative structures to deliver financing solutions that support the transformation of the structure of Africa's trade, accelerating industrialization and intra-regional trade, thereby boosting economic expansion in Africa. A stalwart supporter of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), Afreximbank has launched a Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) that was adopted by the African Union (AU) as the payment and settlement platform to underpin the implementation of the AfCFTA. Working with the AfCFTA Secretariat and the AU, the Bank is setting up a US$10 billion Adjustment Fund to support countries to effectively participate in the AfCFTA. At the end of 2022, Afreximbank's total assets and guarantees stood at over US$31 billion, and its shareholder funds amounted to US$5.2 billion. The Bank disbursed more than US$86 billion between 2016 and 2022. Afreximbank has investment grade ratings assigned by GCR (international scale) (A), Moody's (Baa1), Japan Credit Rating Agency (JCR) (A-) and Fitch (BBB). Afreximbank has evolved into a group entity comprising the Bank, its impact fund subsidiary called the Fund for Export Development Africa (FEDA), and its insurance management subsidiary, AfrexInsure, (together, “the Group”).

For more information, please visit: www.Afreximbank.com

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Research shows how Green Tea is effective in fighting Covid-19 subvariants

Location: MyPR

The extensive health benefits of Green Tea have been enjoyed by cultures across the globe since the 8th Century, and it appears this herbal beverage is now tackling modern illnesses. Researchers have found that Green Tea may help in the fight against Covid-19 as the tea inactivates the virus. Scientists from the Kyoto Prefectural University …

Read moreResearch shows how Green Tea is effective in fighting Covid-19 subvariants

Cosatu backs SA’s continued AGOA membership

Location: News

Cosatu backs SA’s continued AGOA membership

Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) President Zingiswa Losi says the federation has thrown its weight behind the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) and for its renewal as the country continues to fight joblessness. 

“As a trade federation movement, our responsibility is towards ensuring we protect jobs and that is why we have always had support for our government. 

“But beyond that, we continue to advocate and request our sister federation in the US to be our voice on that side that the United States of America and the Biden administration will be able to renew AGOA for the next 10 years before they go for their elections next year,” she said on Friday. 

Losi was speaking during a media briefing on the sidelines of the AGOA Forum, which is currently underway at the Nasrec Expo Centre in Johannesburg.

Launched in 2000, AGOA grants exports from qualifying African countries duty-free access to the United States market.

She reflected on the impact of the piece of legislation, which has created 450 000 jobs linked to the United States-Africa trade in different sectors. Losi said the mining, manufacturing, auto manufacturing, clothing, agriculture and jewellery industries have benefited from the legislation through exports. 

The Cosatu President said the federation supports South Africa’s continued AGOA membership. 

“It is also important that that unaligned role is strengthened when we deal with the geopolitics and it’s critical for government and business to simultaneously expand the trade and investment with other large trading partners such as the European Union, China and Japan and as you know we’re also part of the BRICS Trade Union Forum.”  

Diversification, Losi believes, will ensure South Africa is able to trade with all countries to address the 42% unemployment rate, of which 60% of those are youngsters.

“Importantly, for us to do that we need to address issues of energy in the country, crime and corruption and also the issues of rail and infrastructure.” 

Meanwhile, during President Cyril Ramaphosa’s main address, he said he remains concerned about the negative effects that trade restrictions on products like steel, aluminium or citrus fruit have on AGOA utilisation rates.

President Ramaphosa said he hopes the forum will help lay the basis for these to be addressed in future and that more targeted efforts to promote greater levels of investment can help unlock AGOA’s opportunities. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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Fri, 11/03/2023 - 15:36

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Black Friday Deals 2023: Up to 47% off on Portable Power Stations with a 5-Year Warranty

Location: Business
EcoFlow

As South Africa anticipates the imminent summer season, EcoFlow (https://www.EcoFlow.com/za) takes pride in unveiling its highly anticipated Black Friday Deals (https://apo-opa.info/49kW4lw) for 2023. As load shedding concerns (https://apo-opa.info/49fxceJ) resurface, EcoFlow's exclusive offers, saving up to 47% on load shedding solutions, provide relief from power outages and ensure a constant supply of electricity when it's needed most.

Historical Price Drops

EcoFlow's Black Friday sale presents a golden opportunity to acquire cutting-edge power solutions at unbeatable prices. The highlight of this sale is undoubtedly the award-winning DELTA 2 (https://apo-opa.info/3QH8w7u), EcoFlow's flagship portable power station. Now, for a limited time, customers can enjoy an astounding 28% discount, making the DELTA 2 available for just R17999. That's a remarkable R7000 in savings.

The DELTA 2 is a testament to cutting-edge power innovation, with the ability to expand its capacity from 1-3kWh, fully recharge in just 80 minutes, and deliver an impressive 1800W of rated power output. This performance can be elevated to a staggering 2400W with X-Boost, seamlessly powering up to 90% of household appliances, including microwaves, coffee machines, kettles, and hair dryers.

Turning to the versatile RIVER 2 Max

Equally enticing in this Black Friday extravaganza is the RIVER 2 Max (https://apo-opa.info/3soLbOF), EcoFlow's versatile portable power station. The RIVER 2 Max enjoys an impressive 38% price reduction, now available at just R7999, providing customers with a significant R5000 saving.

With a substantial 512Wh battery capacity and a quick recharge time of as little as one hour, the RIVER 2 Max offers substantial power reserves. Boasting a 500W rated power output, expandable to 1000W with X-Boost, this unit efficiently caters to basic household and outdoor appliance needs, from powering TVs and game consoles to refrigerators.

Portable Power On-the-Go: RIVER 2

The RIVER 2 (https://apo-opa.info/40itvRg), another member of EcoFlow's product lineup, is equally appealing with a generous 43% price reduction. During this Black Friday sale, the RIVER 2 is available for only R3999, offering an attractive R3000 discount.

Compact yet powerful, the RIVER 2 features a high-capacity 256Wh battery and a rapid charging time of just one hour. With a 300W rated power output, expandable to 600W with X-Boost, RIVER 2 is perfect for essential electronic devices, including smartphones, laptops, WiFi routers, cameras, and even televisions.

A Decade of Power Assurance

Both the DELTA 2 and RIVER 2 series offer peace of mind with their impressive battery life of 3000 cycles, guaranteeing a decade of reliable power. To further ensure product quality, EcoFlow extends a reassuring 5-year warranty on these exceptional units. Their on-site after-sales service team is dedicated to providing top-notch service to earn your trust.

Solar Panels: The Sustainable Energy Companion

For those looking to harness the power of the sun, EcoFlow offers substantial discounts on its Solar Panels (https://apo-opa.info/3tTNh9U). Bundling with DELTA 2 or RIVER 2 Series, customers can enjoy savings of up to 47%. This unique pairing transforms portable power stations into sustainable Solar Generators (https://apo-opa.info/3SlEMOO), allowing users to reduce their grid dependency and access a source of long-term, eco-friendly power for off-grid living.

EcoFlow's Black Friday Deals will run throughout November, from November 1 to November 30. It's an opportunity for customers to save up to 47%, maximum saving at R27999, on their favourite power solutions. Detailed information about the discounts and promotions can be found on the official EcoFlow website (https://apo-opa.info/49kW4lw) or the Takealot store (https://apo-opa.info/3tTslQ9).

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.

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African Development Bank’s novel 5-year strategy paper focuses on governance and the private sector

Location: News
African Development Bank Group (AfDB)

The Board of Directors of the African Development Bank Group (https://www.AfDB.org/en) have approved South Africa's Country Strategy Paper (CSP) 2023-2028. The Bank's interventions over the next five years will focus on two priority areas: improving governance and developing the private sector in southern Africa's largest and most populated country.

The CSP 2023-2028 aims to support the South African government's efforts to tackle its structural challenges, promote industrialization and establish a faster, more inclusive growth trajectory to reduce poverty for the long term. Its indicative operational program for 2023-2028, amounts to a total of $1,54 billion, comprising six sovereign operations totaling $887 million and seven non-sovereign operations totaling $654 million.  The sovereign operations selectively support four focal sectors, relatively large projects aimed at delivering transformation at scale and impact.

In the first priority area, the African Development Bank will support efforts to improve economic governance and boost private investment to promote inclusive growth and create decent jobs. This will help broaden access to the main social and economic services, improve skills and employability, and increase resilience to external and climate shocks.

The Bank will also contribute to strengthening the governance framework to create favourable conditions for implementing infrastructure projects. Its support will help to reduce costs and contribute to the success of the private sector by helping the country to address regulatory barriers.

Among the expected outcomes are a reduction in the budget deficit of 4.2% of gross domestic product in 2022-2023 to 3 percent in 2027-2028. Energy production by the private sector should increase from 100 megawatts in 2023 to over a gigawatt in 2028, and 700 new small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) should have access to funding, including at least 210 owned by women and 70 by young people, by 2028.

In the second priority area – developing the private sector – the African Development Bank aims to improve access to high-quality infrastructure, boost productivity and strengthen competition to promote growth driven by the private sector and job creation through transformative projects. The Bank's interventions will focus on the energy, transport, water and sanitation sectors, as improving these kinds of infrastructure will contribute to reducing the cost of economic activity, increasing productivity and strengthening South Africa's competitiveness at all levels. These interventions will also enable women to access basic services and economic opportunities.

Finally, there will be an emphasis on protecting infrastructure from the effects of climate change to strengthen sustainability and resilience, a goal that will be at the forefront of all infrastructure projects.

The Bank's actions in the transport sector should help increase the market share of rail freight from 26.8 percent in 2023 to 28 percent in 2028 and complete the construction of 38 kilometres of tunnels by 2028.  

On 30 June 2023, the African Development Bank Group's active portfolio in South Africa comprised 23 projects, with total funding of USD 7 billion.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

Media contact:
Alexis Adélé
Communication and External Relations Department
media@afdb.org

About the African Development Bank Group:
The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) is the premier multilateral financing institution dedicated to Africa's development. It comprises three distinct entities: the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Development Fund (ADF) and the Nigeria Trust Fund (NSF). The AfDB has a field presence in 41 African countries, with an external office in Japan, and contributes to the economic development and social progress of its 54 regional member states. For more information: https://www.AfDB.org/en.

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Dunlop goes green with sustainable classroom construction project in Ladysmith

Location: MyPR

As part of the Dunlop Ladysmith plant’s 50th anniversary celebrations in October, the tyre manufacturer announced a project to build two new classrooms, ablutions, an office and a sick bay at Ithubelihle Special Opportunity School in Leonardsville, Ladysmith. Headmistress Sibongile Tshabalala said the new additions would enable the school to extend its support to the …

Read moreDunlop goes green with sustainable classroom construction project in Ladysmith

Critical Minerals Africa 2023 Prepares for Official Opening with Full Day of Strategic Presentations

Location: News
Energy Capital & Power

The first day of the Critical Minerals Africa 2023 summit on Tuesday – organized by Energy Capital & Power (www.EnergyCapitalPower.com) – featured a series of presentations from leading industry experts, providing unparalleled insights into Africa's critical mineral reserves and geopolitical position in the global mining economy. The main conference program begins on Wednesday, October 18 and will feature a highly anticipated ministerial forum, investor briefings and panel discussions, taking place alongside African Energy Week in Cape Town.  

Kicking off the agenda was a presentation by South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) exploring the future of critical minerals in the SADC – namely, copper in the DRC, South Africa and Zambia, lithium in South Africa and Zimbabwe, cobalt in the DRC and Zambia, graphite in Mozambique, manganese in South Africa, and nickel in Madagascar, South Africa and Tanzania. The ability to harness these reserves depends on several factors, including growing geoeconomic competition among China, the US and Europe, the ability of SADC states to manage regional value chains, and the urgency of global policy action toward renewable and low-carbon energies.

“In 20-30 years, not only will these minerals be in high demand, but how we put systems in place will be important,” stated Dr. Deon Cloete, Head of SAIIA's Futures Program. “We have focused on Rare Earth Elements (REEs) and the need to scale up exploration and extraction and develop the entire value chain. The transition to climate goals by 2050 is challenging and we need to be critical about how these fault lines are emerging. We propose a resource-based economy that challenges the paradigm of how we approach mining.”

The Critical Minerals International Alliance (CMIA) built upon the geopolitical nature of critical minerals development during its presentation, addressing China's race to solidify its leadership on the continent and its successful dual-pronged investment approach. Western nations have sought to counter this influence through various policy measures, including the US' Inflation Reduction Act, the EU's Critical Raw Materials Act and the Minerals Security Partnership, which seeks to secure a stable supply of raw materials for member economies. 

“When we talk about critical minerals, we are focused on geopolitics — how they frame supply chains and influence pricing and how monopolies are increasingly changing the industry,” said Olimpia Pilch, Founder and COO of CMIA. “In a supply chain crunch, who gets priority and which industries will miss out? Those who have put in the work to have their own supply chain will be in a much better position.”

On the need to diversify mining supply chains, Roberto Cecutti, Head of Trade and Economics, EU Delegation to South Africa, stated during his presentation: "In terms of annual consumption, we have an aspirational target of covering at least 10% of extraction in Europe, 40% of processing and refinement and 15% of recycling capacity. We want to avoid dependence on the supply of one or more specific countries…This is why we have set this target, in which 65% should not depend on a specific country of origin of supply.”

"Each region has its own definition of what is ‘critical,' and what's critical for Africa may not be what's critical for the EU and vice versa. Africa has different requirements when it comes to minerals,” noted Sodhie Naicker, Managing Director: DMT Kai Batla and Consortium Partner: AfricaMaVal.

Energy research firm Rystad Energy also explored Chinese dominance within the low-carbon supply chain, as the country produces almost 90% of solar panels and is currently ramping up production of wind turbines. While Europe has made gains towards establishing its own clean energy supply chain, Africa remains reliant on imports to meet growing energy demand, despite having vast renewable energy potential and untapped mineral reserves. 

“The resource potential for solar generation in Africa is more than enough to satisfy the needs of the planet – it's enormous,” said Per Magnus Nysveen, Senior Partner & Head of Analysis for Rystad Energy. “You can find sites for mining every mineral in sub-Saharan Africa.”

A presentation from Steenkampskraal – operator of the Steenkampskraal Mine in South Africa's Western Cape – underscored the continent's resource potential and its evolution into a critical and industrial minerals hotspot. The mine is home to one of the highest grades of REEs globally, is licensed to operate and possesses well-developed underground infrastructure with a low-capital, three-stage development plan.

“Not even 20% of the known resources have been mined,” emphasized Graham Soden, Director, CEO & Mine Manager of Steenkampskraal. “It puts the project at a unique level. It's fully legislative compliant, and we can get it up and running within one year.”

The agenda concluded with a presentation by Trade & Industrial Policy Strategies (TIPS), which explored opportunities to develop vanadium redox battery (VRB) manufacturing in South Africa and to position the country as a key player in the global battery value chain, with a view to exporting to other African and international markets. Demand for VRBs has skyrocketed in recent years – largely from China, Japan, Europe and the US – resulting in over 30 new VRB projects installed in 11 countries since 2014.  

“Cell battery manufacturing remains to be proven competitive in South Africa. We have the industrial capacity, but we don't have a commercialized production,” said Lesego Moshikaro, Senior Economist for TIPS. “When you look at the short- to medium-term, South Africa cannot be competitive along the whole value chain, so it's important for us to choose key areas where we can excel.”

With its main conference program kicking off on October 18, the Critical Minerals Africa 2023 summit serves to position Africa as the primary investment destination for critical minerals. The event is held alongside the African Energy Week 2023 conference (www.AECWeek.com) from 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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President Ramaphosa hails Springbok victory

Location: News

President Ramaphosa hails Springbok victory

President Cyril Ramaphosa has congratulated the Springboks on their nail-biting win over France in their 2023 Rugby World Cup match on Sunday night.

“President Cyril Ramaphosa offers his warm and proud congratulations – and those of the nation – to the Springboks on their 29-28 Rugby World Cup 2023 quarter-final victory over France on Sunday, 15 October,” said the Presidency in a statement.

The Springboks win in Paris has set the team up for a semi-final against England on Saturday, 21 October.

In November 2019, the Springboks won the Rugby World Cup final in Japan by defeating England.

The President congratulated the 2023 host nation, France, on a performance that made the encounter in Paris a tense and dramatic game that was enjoyed by a stadium audience of 80 000 and millions of people around the world.

“As a nation, we are proud of the Springboks advance to the semi-finals in a game that was an incredible athletic display, as well as a metaphor for our country. We are indeed stronger together when we come together in our diversity, and we create opportunities for people to live their passion, fulfil their potential, and display their talents.”

In a statement on Monday, the President further lauded the display of unity backing the Boks.

"We’re also together on days when we struggle and when we create the space for people to come back from difficulty and to continue the journey to victory with us.

“Out of the 20 nations in the World Cup, the Springboks delighted and inspired us - whether they were on the field, on the bench or in the coaches’ box.

“We wish the Springboks the very best as they prepare for what we hope will be another unforgettable victory,” he said. – SAnews.ogv.za

Neo
Mon, 10/16/2023 - 09:22

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Nzimande visits Japan to strengthen hydrogen economy cooperation 

Location: News

Nzimande visits Japan to strengthen hydrogen economy cooperation 

The Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Dr Blade Nzimande, is leading a delegation to Tokyo, Japan, as part of efforts to build a hydrogen economy in South Africa. 

The engagements will profile the work of the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) in hydrogen energy, and promote collaboration, investment and innovation in support of the deployment of hydrogen at scale, as envisaged in the Hydrogen Society Roadmap for South Africa. 

The roadmap, launched by the DSI in 2022, is a national coordinating framework to facilitate the integration of hydrogen-related technologies in various sectors of the South African economy, a vital part of stimulating economic growth, in line with the Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan. 

“Establishing a manufacturing sector for hydrogen products and components is one of the roadmap's key outcomes,” the department said. 

The engagements kick-started on Monday, 25 September, with Minister Nzimande and the delegation participating in the Tokyo GX Week Plenary Session. 

The GX Plenary is hosted by Japan's Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), Yasutoshi Nishimura, as part of the Tokyo GX Week 2023. 

Tokyo GX Week, according to the DSI, aims to accelerate efforts towards net zero emissions. 

“The programme of international meetings related to energy and the environment aims to achieve green transformation (GX), moving countries away from fossil fuel-dependent economic, social and industrial structures, towards clean energy that will lead to economic growth and development, as well as reduced greenhouse gas emissions.” 

The Minister will also address the 6th Hydrogen Energy Ministerial Meeting, which will be attended by Ministers and world leaders in the energy and environment fields in both the private and the public sectors. 

Today, the DSI will host a South Africa-Japan workshop with the Japan External Trade Organisation. 

The aim of the workshop, the department said, is for South African and Japanese entities to discuss putting together a large-scale demonstration project on hydrogen. 

“Minister Nzimande and Mr Nishimura are expected to sign a memorandum of cooperation between the DSI and METI to facilitate cooperation on developing a sustainable and affordable hydrogen and ammonia supply chain.” 

“The two countries have a shared recognition that this is key to achieving net zero emissions,” said the DSI.

South Africa and Japan have a longstanding relationship and common interests in science, technology and innovation (STI). 

Bilateral cooperation in STI between the two countries has been growing steadily since the agreement on STI in 2003. 

The engagements will continue until 27 September. – SAnews.gov.za
 

Gabisile
Tue, 09/26/2023 - 10:12

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