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Tuesday 9 April 2024, Johannesburg, South Africa: Minister Naledi Pandor, South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, to Address Eid Prayers, Affirming Stance Against Genocide and Occupation of Palestine Minister Naledi Pandor, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation and renowned for her unwavering commitment to justice and human rights, will address Eid prayers for …
Solar power supplied 67% of all electricity used in February this year at three of leading South African truck body and trailer building company, Serco’s factories and offices in South Africa. And Serco’s goal is to push that figure up to 75% following further investment to raise the ratio even higher in the medium to …
Johannesburg, South Africa, April 2024: Nespresso aims to continue to support the local community and economy by investing 20 million USD spent across coffee purchases, price premiums and technical assistance, by 2026 in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), helping to give coffee farmers access to the global markets. The ambition is also to help …
Progress made in addressing socio-economic inequalities
Government has made significant strides in addressing socio-economic inequalities through social welfare programmes in housing, healthcare, education and social services.
“Over the past few decades, the South African government has taken significant steps to address historical injustices and strive towards achieving social cohesion and socio-economic empowerment for all its citizens,” said Deputy President Paul Mashatile on Tuesday.
The Deputy President was delivering a special public lecture on the 30th anniversary of South Africa’s democracy at the invitation of the University of Johannesburg’s School of Public Management, Governance and Public Policy, in partnership with the College of Business and Economics.
He also touched on the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE) policies, which he believes have promoted economic transformation and ensured the marginalised become part of the mainstream economy.
To demonstrate government’s commitment to building an inclusive and growing economy, he said the state has raised R1.5 trillion in new investment commitments, of which over R500 billion has already flowed into the economy.
“We have made further strides in addressing load shedding, ensuring energy security, enhancing logistics systems, and improving ports and rail networks.”
In addition, the country’s second-in-command said government was on track to accelerate land redistribution. Black South Africans, he said, now own around 25% of farmland, while the state supported 1 000 industrialists in Black-owned firms.
However, despite these achievements, challenges remain in achieving a more inclusive and equitable society.
“The triple challenges of poverty, unemployment, and inequality, as well as corruption, continue to pose obstacles to the nation’s progress. In addressing these challenges, we are conscious that, as government, we must strengthen social compacts by working together with all sectors of society.”
Achievements
Deputy President Mashatile highlighted the achievements that have been made over the past 30 years.
These, according to the Deputy President, include investment in transport infrastructure such as the Gautrain, the Freeway Improvement Project and Bus Rapid Transport, the agricultural sector, the financial services sector as well as a thriving automotive sector.
He said infrastructure investment was key to the country’s growth and told guests that projects worth about R21.4 billion have been completed.
“I would like to see more young people and women-led businesses being involved in these projects because young people are the future of our country and women carry the hardest burden of communities.”
The Deputy President also took the time to acknowledge some of the challenges that the youth in the country face. “Hence, over the years, we have been investing in initiatives for the development of our youth and our future.”
Water and sanitation
In addition, he said government has decided to move with speed to professionalise the public sector.
“I would like to assure you and the people of our country that, as the government, we are committed to the delivery of quality services to our people.”
This includes dealing with increased water and sanitation issues, as well as the energy availability factor.
President Cyril Ramaphosa appointed the Deputy President to lead a task team on the water crisis in the country, and one of the urgent priorities is to fix the ageing infrastructure.
“We have already started this work. Just this evening, we are meeting as the Water Task Team; on Friday we will be visiting eThekwini as well as other regions later on to engage with the province as to how best we can resolve the eminent water challenge.”
Since the announcement of the Water Task Team’s establishment, his office has received numerous requests from individuals seeking to assist and collaborate with the government.
He said the Department of Water and Sanitation has already allocated R10.1 billion to municipalities through the regional bulk infrastructure grant, R4.6 billion through the water services infrastructure grant, and R1.4 billion through the municipal recovery disaster grant to address water challenges. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Tue, 04/09/2024 - 14:59
EFC (Extreme Fighting Championship), Africa's premier mixed martial arts organisation, is delighted to announce its exciting new partnership with Mukuru (www.Mukuru.com), a leading next-generation financial services platform for Africa's emerging consumers. This partnership marks a significant step in the growth and development of the combat sports industry and its athletes across the African continent.
The collaboration with Mukuru is yet another step in EFC's explosive continental growth and its expanding global appeal, as the brand continues to nurture and develop multinational partnerships. EFC has experienced unprecedented reach and audience engagement through record-setting social media views, complemented with further traditional broadcast agreements, enhancing its already extensive television distribution with 2024 set to be the biggest in the company's 15-year history.
With Mukuru, EFC is more able to attract and support fighters from a wider variety of African territories, opening up new markets to the sport of mixed-martial arts and developing talent across the continent in completely new ways. The opportunities for all stakeholders in this ground-breaking new agreement is unprecedented.
Mukuru offers convenient, secure, reliable, and affordable financial solutions to over 13 million customers. With more than 100 million transactions, 320,000 pay-in and pay-out locations, 150 information centres, and 1000+ Orange Booths across Africa, Mukuru is revolutionising international money transfers, making it the perfect partner for EFC to facilitate payments to its global athlete roster. Starting from EFC 111 on Thursday, March 7, Mukuru will be showcased as an official EFC partner at all live EFC events in 2024. Fans will witness Mukuru branding and promotions in the iconic EFC Hexagon, as well as enjoy exclusive content including the 'Mukuru Action Replay' and 'Mukuru Corner Cam' between rounds.
Brandon Mncube, Chief Marketing Officer of Mukuru, expressed the shared qualities between EFC athletes and Mukuru customers, stating, "The EFC athletes and Mukuru customers share many admirable qualities. They are brave and resilient, often willing to travel across the world to uplift themselves and their families." This partnership is a testament to the alignment of values and commitment to empowerment shared by both organisations.
Cairo Howarth, President of EFC, stated, "Mukuru is a brand that we have admired for many years, and we are thrilled to officially be partners. Together with Mukuru, we look forward to showcasing more incredible stories of the EFC athletes and their inspirational journeys."
EFC and Mukuru are excited about the potential that this partnership holds for the growth of African athletes and the MMA industry. With shared goals of promoting development, empowerment, and financial inclusion, this collaboration will undoubtedly bring forth a new era of success and opportunity in the world of Mixed Martial Arts.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Mukuru.
Press Contact:
Kendel Falkson
Media & PR EFC
+2782 905 2656
Media@efcafrica.com
Follow EFC on:
Facebook: https://apo-opa.co/3PUDLvo
Twitter: https://apo-opa.co/4asxCib
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About EFC® – The Extreme Fighting Championship® :
Headquartered in Johannesburg, South Africa, EFC is a world leading mixed martial arts (MMA) organisation. EFC produces 10 live events annually. With over 200 athletes exclusively contracted to the organisation, EFC showcases the greatest warriors on the planet.
EFC events are broadcast in over 120 countries around the world on numerous television networks in multiple languages. EFC programming is available weekly in 600+ million TV households globally, making it one of the most recognisable MMA brands in the world.
For more information visit EFCWorldwide.com, or follow us on social media.
About Mukuru::
Mukuru is a leading next-generation financial services platform for Africa's emerging consumers. Inspired by its customers, Mukuru enables financial inclusion through technology solutions and a range of financial services products designed to make everyday transactions easier and financial products more accessible. For more information about Mukuru and its range of financial services, visit https://www.Mukuru.com
Red Ants tore down land occupiers’ homes in Glen Austin, Midrand, on Friday and Sunday
Man found in vicinity of fire to be charged with arson, say police
Vantage Capital (www.VantageCapital.co.za), Africa's largest mezzanine debt fund manager, announced that it has made a R346m investment into Procera Group (Pty) Limited (“Procera”), a leading South African business process outsourcing (BPO) services provider serving both South African and international clients.
Vantage's investment comprises of the acquisition of a significant minority equity stake from the Procera founders as well as the provision of a mezzanine facility to support future strategic acquisitions by Procera.
Founded in 1990 as a debt recovery solutions provider, over the last three decades Procera has evolved into an integrated BPO services group offering support solutions to its clients via several distinct brands along the customer life cycle. Procera currently services over 50 local and international blue-chip clients across key industries such as Retail, Financial Services, Energy and Telecommunications in geographies including South Africa, Namibia, United Kingdom, United States and Australia.
Procera's investment into its proprietary contact centre software, deployment of emerging technologies such as predictive analytics, generative AI and omnichannel communications continue to improve productivity and the customer experience. With over 2700 employees, Procera is a significant driver of impact through employment, training and skills development, especially for women and youth in the communities within which it operates.
South Africa is consistently ranked in the top two BPO locations globally driven by factors including customer experience supported by an empathetic English-speaking workforce and cultural affinity to various source markets, a favourable time zone, and its abundance of youth talent. The South African BPO market is expected to achieve a 13% CAGR over the next five years ahead of global growth forecasts for the sector of 8.5% CAGR. The sustained global growth is driven primarily by corporates seeking to effectively manage costs and streamline business functions.
Roshal Ramdenee, Associate Partner at Vantage Capital, said “Vantage sees a tremendous opportunity for both job creation as well as a positive economic impact as Procera continues its rapid international expansion and drives market leading technological solutions in the BPO space. Vantage is proud to partner with a very capable management team and committed long term investors.”
Warren van der Merwe, Managing Partner at Vantage Capital, added “It is rare in the current economic environment to find fast-growing South African businesses and ones that are truly competitive in developed markets. Procera's founders, shareholders and management team have built an admirable business to date, and we are excited to invest into Procera's next stage of growth and development.”
Crispin Sonn, Chairman at Procera added “We are very pleased to have the long-term support of Vantage and its team of seasoned investors as we look to grow the Procera's business services footprint into international markets.”
PWC acted as financial advisor to the transaction, Werksmans acted as legal counsel for Vantage. Other advisors to the transaction included Step Advisory, Ernst and Young, Webber Wentzel, Eversheds, STBB, and IBIS Consulting.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Vantage Capital Group.
For more information contact:
Warren van der Merwe
Managing Partner – Vantage Capital
warren@vantagecapital.co.za
+ 27 (0) 11 530 9100
Roshal Ramdenee
Associate Partner – Vantage Capital
roshal@vantagemezzanine.com
Darshan Shah
Senior Associate – Vantage Capital
darshan@vantagecapital.co.za
About Vantage Capital:
Vantage Capital Group was established in 2001 and is the largest independent pan-African mezzanine debt fund manager on the African continent. It has raised funds of US$ 1.6 billion in seven distinct mezzanine and renewable energy debt funds as well as in a technology fund and has to date made 61 investments across the African continent.
Vantage has an office in Johannesburg, employees based in Cape Town, Nairobi, Lagos, Cairo, London, Dubai and Paris, and targets investment opportunities, with a focus on mezzanine debt, of US$ 10 - 50m across more than a dozen key African markets. Mezzanine debt is an intermediate form of risk capital, which is situated between senior debt, the lowest risk tranche of the capital structure, and equity, the highest risk. It combines elements of both debt and equity thereby providing companies with long-term funding on terms which are less dilutive to shareholders than pure equity.
Vantage recently launched an education investment platform which is targeting the education markets of Poland, Czechia, Romania, and Portugal.
Website: www.VantageCapital.co.za
Public lecture to celebrate the 30th anniversary of SA's democracy
Deputy President Paul Mashatile will deliver a special public lecture on the 30th anniversary of South Africa’s democracy on Tuesday, 9 April 2024.
According to the Presidency, he will deliver the public lecture at the invitation of the University of Johannesburg’s School of Public Management, Governance and Public Policy, in partnership with the College of Business and Economics.
“Priding itself as an international university of choice, anchored in Africa and dynamically shaping the future, the University of Johannesburg will host the Deputy President at its Auckland Park campus,” the statement read.
The public lecture will focus on inspiring the youth in South Africa to imagine a better, prosperous future.
His lecture is expected to highlight considerable progress made by the democratic government in fostering a more inclusive and equitable society since 1994. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Mon, 04/08/2024 - 11:51
Africa Data Centres (www.AfricaDataCentres.com/) and DPA SA have broken ground on their solar farm in the Free State; The first phase will see power getting wheeled to its CPT1 facility; The second phase will see power being supplied to JHB1 and JHB2 once wheeling agreements with relevant municipalities conclude.
Africa Data Centres, a business of the Cassava Technologies group, is pleased to announce that it has broken ground on the construction of a solar farm in the Free State in collaboration with DPA Southern Africa.
This announcement forms a crucial component of the 20-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) inked in March 2023 with DPA Southern Africa a joint company of the French utility, EDF. The objective of the Free State farm is to furnish renewable energy to Africa Data Centres sites, commencing with its cutting-edge, carrier-neutral data centre in Cape Town, the CPT1 facility.
According to Cassava Technologies' President and Group CEO, Hardy Pemhiwa, “This initiative positions Africa Data Centres as a trailblaser in the data centre industry in responding to South Africa's energy crisis through sustainable technology solutions. This is in line with a broader industry shift towards innovative, eco-friendly practices. The strategic use of solar power showcases technology's role in pioneering solutions for energy challenges and environmental sustainability”.
Furthermore, Tesh Durvasula, CEO of Africa Data Centres, underscores the commitment to powering all data centres with clean, renewable energy sources. "Today's announcement represents a significant stride in our initiative to energise South African data centres sustainably, advancing our objective of achieving carbon neutrality. The first phase involves constructing the 12MW solar infrastructure to power our Cape Town data centre, with subsequent phases extending to our Johannesburg data centres.”
Nawfal El Fadil, the CEO of DPA SA, states, "Africa Data Centres, as a pioneer in the data centre industry, has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to sustainability, aligning seamlessly with our company's values. We are thrilled and honoured to contribute to Africa Data Centres' mission of achieving carbon neutrality, beginning with the establishment of this solar power plant in the Free State to serve their data centre in Cape Town. At the heart of our collaboration lies a shared understanding that the path to carbon neutrality extends beyond infrastructure—it demands innovation, expertise, and collective determination to overcome challenges. DPA SA, backed by EDF's legacy, brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record in delivering high-quality, sustainable energy solutions to this partnership."
"We take immense pride in supporting Africa Data Centres on this journey, being among the pioneers in launching a wheeling solar plant, thereby paving the way for a greener, more sustainable future in South Africa," adds Nawfal El Fadil.
This project is a key element of Africa Data Centres' ambitious plans to emerge as the most sustainable colocation provider on the continent. "Beyond procuring renewable energy, our commitment to an efficiency strategy has earned us the internationally recognised ISO50001 certification for the effective operation of our data centres," Durvasula elaborates.
"Data centres worldwide face scrutiny for their reliance on grid power and renewables, and Africa is no exception. Africa Data Centres is actively addressing this issue by generating renewable energy, alleviating strain on the local grid. Additionally, our sustainability objectives encompass achieving net-zero status at all facilities, making this project another significant stride towards reaching that goal," concludes Durvasula.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Data Centres.
Social Media Platforms:
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LinkedIn: https://apo-opa.co/446fpol
Facebook: https://apo-opa.co/3TSkVGa
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About Africa Data Centres:
Africa Data Centres is your trusted partner for rapid and secure data centre services and interconnections across the African continent.
Africa Data Centres is Africa's largest network of interconnected, carrier and cloud-neutral data centre facilities. Bringing international experts to the pan-African market. We are your trusted partner for rapid and secure data centre services and interconnections across the African continent. Strategically located, our world-class facilities provide a home for all your business-critical data. Proudly African, we are dedicated to being the heart that beats your business.
Africa Data Centres' aim is to unveil various business opportunities and to develop a strategic network of partnerships. This will further strengthen Africa Data Centres' superiority in providing our customers with the highest standard of interconnected, carrier and cloud-neutral data centre facilities throughout Africa. www.AfricaDataCentres.com/
About Cassava Technologies:
Cassava Technologies is a technology leader providing a vertically integrated ecosystem of digital services and infrastructure enabling digital transformation. Launched in 2021, the company was born out of a need to create a digitally connected future that leaves no African behind. Through its subsidiaries, namely, Liquid Intelligent Technologies, Liquid Dataport, Liquid C2, Africa Data Centres, Distributed Power Africa, Sasai Fintech and Telrad, Cassava is a multinational technology company that has operations across key growth markets like Africa, the Middle East, Latin America and the United States of America. Cassava provides its customers in 94 countries with offerings that will help them grow, transform, and expand their operations. https://apo-opa.co/3U7rdmB
About DPA Southern Africa:
DPA Southern Africa, a joint company of the French utility EDF and Distributed Power Africa, is at the forefront of the Southern African renewable energy market for businesses, laying the foundation for a sustainable and environmentally conscious future in South Africa and beyond.
Our commitment is to assist companies in achieving carbon neutrality and cost savings simultaneously by providing tailor-made renewable energy solutions that meet the specific needs of businesses. Our comprehensive offerings include on-site, wheeling, and storage solutions, offering businesses a holistic approach to sustainable energy management.
Municipalities across South Africa are in a race against time to enable residents to update prepaid electricity and water meters before they stop working on 24 November 2024, just 8 months away. The update is urgently required because the standard system that provides unique re-charge codes will soon run out of unique numbers to issue. …
Johannesburg, 05 April 2024 – Volkswagen Motorsport heads to South African motor racing’s biggest weekend at the Kyalami grand Prix Circuit Extreme Festival from 11 – 13 April 2024. Team drivers, 2023 Polo Cup champion and SupaCup rookie Charl Michael Visser, and seasoned teammate Jonathan Mogotsi shared the South African Touring Cars (SATC) SupaCup honours …
Johannesburg, 05 April 2024 – Astron Energy Polo Cup heads to the biggest race meeting of the year at Kyalami Gran Prix Circuit Extreme Festival for a second round from 11-13 April 2024. With thirteen National and Regional Extreme Festival classes coming together, Astron Energy Polo Cup is determined to deliver the best show of …
JOHANNESBURG: Cricket South Africa (CSA) proudly joins the global community in celebrating International Sports Day for Development and Peace (IDSDP),...
GQEBERHA: Sibonelo Makhanya and Corbin Bosch played leading roles to help the Momentum Multiply Titans end the remarkable winning CSA T20...
Order names about 20 people and companies linked to National Lotteries Commission dodgy deals
We sent questions to the ANC, DA, EFF, IFP, FF Plus, ActionSA, PA, MK Party and RISE Mzansi
JOHANNESBURG: Cricket South Africa (CSA) has named the SA Emerging Women squad set to challenge Sri Lanka in a 50-over warm-up...
Ogies and Phola coal mining communities also demand that Seriti publish a labour plan
KPMG bursary specialist arrested for theft, fraud and money laundering
The court case of KPMG bursary specialist, Fidelis Moema, has been postponed to 9 April 2024 for formal bail application.
This after Moema, who faces charges of theft, fraud, and money laundering, appeared at the Palm Ridge Commercial Crimes Court on Tuesday, 2 April 2024 after he handed over himself to the Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crimes Investigation team in Johannesburg.
According to a statement from the South African Police Service (SAPS), Moema is accused of misdirecting funds intended for bursary recipients between 2021 and 2022.
“Instead of paying university fees on behalf of students, the accused would pay the money into the bank accounts belonging to friends and individuals who own companies. The money would then be paid back into his personal bank account,” police said in a statement.
As per the SAPS statement, Moema's fraudulent actions led to the audit firm suffering a loss of R16.5 million. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Fri, 04/05/2024 - 11:13
Engen’s commitment to nurturing talent and fostering educational excellence has shone brightly once again after the 2023 Engen Maths & Science School matric class reported a record 97% overall pass rate. This exceptional achievement again underscored the transformative impact of the Engen Maths & Science School (EMSS) programme in empowering underprivileged Grade 10-12 learners at …
Holy Rosary School for Girls (Johannesburg) has just completed a voluntary phone-free 40-day challenge that encouraged Gr 1-7 pupils to abstain from using their smart phones from 14 February to 31 March (Lent). During this period, the participating primary school students were challenged to keep their phones completely powered off at all times, refraining from …
MSG, owner of Power FM, channelled the money for the National Lotteries Commision
Johannesburg, 04 April 2024 : Daybreak Farms Pty Ltd, a leading South African poultry producer, is planning a R250-million ($13 million) debt deal to stabilise the company and further optimise its operations and balance sheet. This deal follows the recent and successful restructuring programme and the appointment of the new C-suite. Led by Richard Manzini, …