MyZA
News, Directory, Events and Other Stuff
Africa is rapidly expanding electricity generation, but new research shows energy planning must also account for water scarcity and carbon dioxide emissions.
Government must take food security into account when upgrading informal settlements like Slovo Park, says SERI
Clientèle Life, Sanlam and their subsidiaries collect R143-million every month for funeral policies directly from SASSA pension and disability grants
Two Whittlesea water treatment works were set to benefit nearly 30 villages
The City of Johannesburg cannot claim to be serious about economic inclusion while spraying informal traders with water cannons in the name of bylaw enforcement.
The post MAYOR MORERO AND PUBLIC SAFETY MMC TSHWAKU MUST OFFER SUPPORT AND NOT WATER CANNONS TO INFORMAL TRADERS appeared first on For Good.
According to TransUnion’s (NYSE:TRU) Q4 2024 South Africa Industry Insights Report, the country’s credit card issuers have adapted their acquisition strategies to enable prudent growth, while effective risk management has led to a decline in account-level delinquencies. During Q4 2024, credit card issuers reduced the average credit card limit on new accounts by 3.9% year-over-year (YoY), while at the same time they increased credit limits on existing credit cards[1] by 5.0%.
The limit increase observations were prominent among prime plus consumers (+4.1% average credit limit increase) and super prime[2] consumers (+1.8%). As a result of higher line access and consumers continuing to leverage credit cards to meet financial and transactional needs, total outstanding balances rose by 7.8% YoY. These insights are echoed in TransUnion South Africa’s Q4 2024 Consumer Pulse Report, where 13% of consumers responded that they had increased their usage of available credit.
An improving performance picture, as observed since Q2 2022, continued as delinquencies (measured as accounts 90 days or more past due) decreased by 34 basis points (bps) YoY during Q4 2024. This trend shows that South African consumers have been able to maintain their credit card payment obligations, while leveraging their cards to navigate the continued high cost of living that has put pressure on disposable income.
“Lenders who are sustaining growth and profitability are drawing on enhanced risk attributes to stimulate a greater share of spend and wallet by identifying consumers who are likely to use credit lines judiciously,” said Lee Naik, CEO of TransUnion Africa. “At a time when new account acquisition is costly, enabling lower-risk consumers to re-engage with their inactive cards, or to extend the use of existing cards, will encourage prudent growth and enable customer loyalty.”
Personal loan lenders target younger borrowers
While personal loan originations from traditional banks declined by 6.2% YoY in Q4 2024, personal loan originations from non-bank lenders increased by 13.9% YoY. Non-bank personal loan originations among Gen Z[3] consumers grew by 48.5% YoY, with this cohort accounting for 15.5% of all non-bank originations.
Non-bank personal loan originations increased YoY across all risk tiers (except for the super prime risk tier, where originations declined by a marginal 1.0% YoY), with the greatest increase seen among prime borrowers (16.1%). However, bank personal loans declined across all risk tiers YoY, except for subprime, where they increased by 6.0% YoY.
Banks are expanding their personal loan offerings to a greater proportion of subprime borrowers. Among bank personal loans, the share of subprime borrowers increased from 53% in Q4 2023 to 58% in Q4 2024, with the share of near prime borrowers remaining consistent across the year. There were minimal YoY fluctuations across the remaining risk tiers. In contrast, the distribution across risk tiers for non-bank personal loans remained consistent over the last two quarters of 2024.
The personal loans market continues to be dominated by younger borrowers, although the total share of originations by borrowers aged 45 and younger did decline marginally in 2024. Seventy-five percent of bank personal loans were granted to Gen X and Millennial customers during Q4 2024, down from 78% one year prior, while 70% of non-bank personal loans were granted to the same age group in Q4 2024, compared to 72% one year prior. At the same time, both lender types are growing their portfolio among the youngest Gen Z borrower group, with 19% of bank personal loans going to Gen Z borrowers in Q4 2024, up from 16% one year prior, and 16% of non-bank personal loans going to these consumers in Q4 2024, up from 12% one year prior.
With respect to credit performance, bank personal loan account-level delinquencies at 90+ days past due dropped by eight bps YoY to 26.6%, while non-bank personal loan delinquencies increased by 452 bps to 40.6%.
“Non-bank personal lenders have a more tolerant risk appetite than banks, and they are responding positively to market demand across age groups and risk tiers,” says Naik. “Lenders that maintain rigorous risk assessment practices that enable greater and earlier prediction of risk, offer education on how to use and manage credit, and empower younger consumers to build their credit profiles, will ensure the continued sustainability of the personal loan market.”
Vehicle loan market continued its recovery path
The vehicle loans market showed encouraging signs of continued growth, as origination volumes increased by 9.6% YoY, and average new loan amounts grew by 1.4%. The greatest growth in originations was observed among Gen Z consumers, where originations grew by 27.9%, although their share of total new finance agreements remains relatively low compared to older age groups. This is the second consecutive quarter in which total vehicle loan originations grew YoY, with the last increase in origination volumes before these two increases having been in Q3 2022. Given the 0.25 bps decrease in interest rates as of November 2024 and a positive outlook for consumer confidence, the vehicle loan market is expected to continue this recovery trend.
These positive trends were also evident in the Q4 2024 TransUnion South Africa Vehicle Pricing Index, that revealed a growing share of financed vehicles within the R250,000 to R750,000 price range. This shift suggests that, while affordability may still be a concern, consumers are prioritising flexible financing solutions and adjusting their purchasing behaviour to align with available credit and economic conditions.
“While the two recent interest rate decreases were just 25 basis points each, the significant increase in new vehicle loan originations indicates that South Africans are becoming more optimistic about their financial futures,” says Naik. “While vehicle ownership is aspirational for many individuals, it’s also the key to unlocking growth for entrepreneurs, and the owners of micro and small enterprises, all of whom are the engines of economic growth in South Africa.
“As part of our drive to expand financial inclusion, TransUnion has included a wide range of alternative data into our scoring solutions, so that more South Africans are more visible in our risk scoring models, in turn creating the platform for them to access finance for the first time.”
Table 1: Key South African Credit Market Metrics (Q4 2024 vs Q4 2023)
|
Product |
YoY origination growth |
Serious account-level delinquency rate* |
YoY basis points (bps) change in delinquency rate |
| Credit card |
5.6% |
12.0% |
-33 bps |
| Bank personal loan |
-6.2% |
26.6% |
-8 bps |
| Non-bank personal loan |
13.9% |
40.6% |
452 bps |
| Clothing accounts |
-4.0% |
26.4% |
-143 bps |
| Retail instalment |
14.9% |
27.5% |
-204 bps |
| Retail revolving |
11.9% |
14.5% |
-500 bps |
| Home loans |
-13.2% |
7.1% |
26 bps |
| Vehicle finance |
9.6%% |
4.8% |
13 bps |
Global information and insights company TransUnion Africa has launched its API Marketplace, a streamlined digital platform designed to give small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs) as well as FinTechs direct, self-service access to a wide range of credit, identity and fraud prevention solutions. The platform aims to simplify integration, strengthen risk assessment, and support the delivery of faster, more personalised financial services across the country. The API Marketplace helps reduce technical complexities, enabling companies to quickly incorporate credit checks, identity verification, and fraud detection into their operations for faster, more accurate decision-making.
Simplifying Access to Trusted Data Solutions
For many SMMEs and FinTechs, limited access to reliable credit data, time-consuming verification processes, and the burden of manual fraud checks can slow growth and undermine customer trust. The TransUnion API Marketplace addresses these pain points by allowing businesses to discover and embed TransUnion’s trusted data solutions directly into their systems, without lengthy onboarding processes or complex development cycles.
“With the launch of the TransUnion API Marketplace in South Africa, we’re empowering SMMEs and FinTechs with the tools they need to thrive in the digital economy,” says Dee Chetty, Chief Product Officer at TransUnion Africa. “It’s about lowering barriers to entry for businesses aiming to innovate quickly, deliver inclusive financial services, and make smarter decisions, while upholding the highest standards of data integrity and security.”
The platform offers real-time access to insights that support key business functions, from identity verification during customer onboarding to fraud flagging and credit risk assessment throughout the customer lifecycle. This is particularly powerful for SMMEs and FinTechs, which often operate with lean teams and need to maximise efficiency without compromising on due diligence.
Supporting Financial Inclusion and Economic Growth
According to the latest Mastercard SME Confidence Index, 90% of South African SMMEs have adopted digital payments in recent years, demonstrating the sector’s appetite for modernisation. However, many still lack access to the kind of scalable, reliable infrastructure that larger organisations take for granted. The API Marketplace bridges that gap, enabling smaller firms to leverage TransUnion’s capabilities in a cost-effective and agile way.
Crucially, the offering also supports national priorities around financial inclusion. Improving the flow of accurate credit and identity data enables businesses to offer more tailored products to underserved consumers, particularly in emerging markets and low-income communities. This helps create a more transparent and equitable financial ecosystem, where access to funding and services is based on real, data-driven insights.
“The API Marketplace is not just a product, it’s an enabler of impact,” adds Chetty. “We know that the future of inclusive finance in South Africa depends on access: to data, to tools, and to trust. This platform delivers on all three, helping more businesses deliver safe, responsible, and responsive financial products.”
Developer-Friendly Design for Rapid Deployment
Digitising integration through the API Marketplace enhances operational efficiency and significantly shortens development timelines. The platform includes a wide range of features designed for accessibility and ease of use. It offers a searchable API catalogue, developer-friendly documentation, and robust security protocols, all designed to reduce friction and accelerate deployment. A structured onboarding process is already in place, with plans to introduce full self-service and digital onboarding in the next phase of development.
Looking ahead, TransUnion sees the API Marketplace as a critical lever for economic resilience and innovation, particularly as the South African FinTech sector continues its rapid growth. The local FinTech market is projected to reach USD 14.86 billion by 2033, with APIs playing a foundational role in scaling new financial solutions.
Visit TransUnion’s API Marketplace for more information.
The solution to housing affordability is to increase supply by building more housing
The Nuwejaars Wetlands Special Management Area was established in 2008
Cabinet’s publication of the draft National Entrepreneurship Strategy (NES) and its Implementation Plan for public participation is a positive step in combating unemployment. The NES focuses on facilitating the youth’s participation in the economy and could help steer established stakeholders in the right direction. It could clarify how to promote entrepreneurship in micro-, small- and […]
The post NES could successfully steer small business development if focused on the right factors appeared first on Freedom Front Plus.
But a separate investigation by the Blue Scorpions appears to have stalled
In response to the tabling of the Gauteng 2025/26 budget in the Legislature, the Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) insisted that the budget should also make provision for services and support to minorities in the province. The budget, tabled by the MEC for Finance, Lebogang Maile, does not differ much from last year’s, except for […]
The post Freedom Front Plus demands fair share of Gauteng budget for minorities appeared first on Freedom Front Plus.
Graveland is running at the Market Theatre until Sunday, 1 June
The Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) is seriously concerned about the Department of Small Business Development’s funding plan for spaza shops. According to this funding plan, spaza shops will be required to purchase all their stock from a single state-approved “distribution partner”, which will presumably cut costs. This could, however, undermine competitiveness in the value […]
The post Spaza shop fund sets alarm bells ringing appeared first on Freedom Front Plus.
The Department of Tourism and its entity, South African Tourism (SAT), appeared before the Portfolio Committee on Tourism yesterday to present their annual performance plans for the 2025/26 financial year and their strategic plans for 2025–2030, which aim to situate South Africa as a preferred and competitive tourism destination regionally, continentally and globally.
The department assured the committee that, unlike before, its strategy is aligned to the government's Medium-Term Development Plan and will have the capacity to deliver the strategy as planned.
The department said it provides small, medium and micro enterprises in the sector with financial and non-financial capabilities required for them to become financially literate. It also helps these enterprises to develop business plans, market their products and run their businesses profitably while using digital technology to bring about transformation, inclusivity and beneficiation of youth, women and people living with disabilities in the tourism sector.
The committee Chairperson, Ms Lungi Mnganga-Gcabashe, told the department to brief the committee on the partnership model it has with critical stakeholders and how it intends to use its marketing budget to leverage these partnerships and synergies to enhance its tourism assets, products and services. The briefing must also include a timeline on when it intends to implement its digital transformation strategy.
Ms Mnganga-Gcabashe also urged the department to set clear guidelines and milestones on when it intends to present the Tourism Amendment Act before the committee and when it will be introduced as an act of law.
In its presentation, SAT stated that its 2025–2030 strategic mission is to enhance South Africa's profile as leading regional, continental and global tourism destination. This it will achieve by ensuring that its platforms provide a high quality and inclusive visitor experience, while ensuring organisational excellence and a high-performance culture along with knowledge-driven marketing and quality assurance strategies.
Ms Mnganga-Gcabashe reiterated that digital marketing should be at the core of SAT's marketing strategy given its unparallel reach in disseminating tourism products and assets regionally, continentally and globally.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.
Vuyani Jarana appointed as G20 start-up engagement group
The Minister of Small Business Development, Stella Tembisa Ndabeni, has announced the appointment of Vuyani Jarana as Chairperson for the Startup20 Engagement Group for South Africa’s Group of Twenty (G20) Presidency.
In a statement on Monday, the Department of Small Business Development (DSBD) said it has been entrusted with leading South Africa’s Startup20 Engagement Group, one of the officially recognised G20 Engagement Groups.
As Chairperson, Jarana will lead Startup20’s strategic direction, appoint task force chairs, coordinate high-level meetings and events, and guide the development of the Startup20 Policy Communiqué, which will contribute to the official G20 Leaders’ Declaration.
The Minister also appointed 22 On Sloane as the Secretariat of the Startup20 Engagement Group for South Africa’s G20 Presidency.
Startup20 advocates for startups and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) at the G20 level, developing policy recommendations to advance the global startup ecosystem and foster inclusive innovation.
“To support this effort, 22 On Sloane has been appointed as the Country Secretariat for Startup20 during South Africa’s G20 Presidency. Twenty-two (22) On Sloane is Africa’s largest startup campus, playing a pivotal role in advancing the startup and MSME ecosystem across the continent.
“Twenty-two (22) On Sloane serves as headquarters for the Global Entrepreneurship Network (GEN) Africa, which is represented in 43 African countries, and as the country headquarters of GEN Global which has a presence in 180 countries globally aimed at supporting entrepreneurs to start and scale,” the department said.
As Secretariat, 22 On Sloane will support Jarana to coordinate and manage all Startup20 activities in South Africa, including stakeholder engagements, task force operations, international collaboration efforts, policy drafting, and logistical delivery of the Startup20 agenda.
The organisation will also facilitate multi-stakeholder dialogues and policy consultations to ensure that Africa’s entrepreneurial voice is firmly embedded in the ensuing global conversations.
According to the department, Jarana brings a wealth of experience to this crucial role, with more than 25 years of leadership in the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector.
A seasoned business transformation leader, Jarana previously served as Group Chief Operating Officer and Chief Executive Officer of Vodacom Business within the Vodacom Group.
He also held the role of Chief Executive Officer of South African Airways, where he spearheaded critical restructuring efforts.
Currently he is the Founder and CEO of Ilitha Telecommunications, a company dedicated to delivering superfast, affordable broadband to underserved peri-urban and rural communities.
He also serves as Chairperson of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), a key institution driving South Africa’s scientific, industrial, and technological innovation agenda.
“His extensive experience and expertise will be invaluable in driving our efforts to promote entrepreneurship and innovation in Africa. He is a respected and seasoned business leader whom I am confident will lead the Startup20 Engagement Group with dedication and focus, ensuring that this serves as a legacy for our country and the ecosystem,” the Minister said.
The G20 is an international forum of both developing and developed countries, which seeks to find solutions to global economic and financial issues.
South Africa’s G20 Presidency commenced on 1 December 2024 and will run until 30 November 2025. It is taking place under the theme: “Solidarity, Equality, and Sustainability.” - SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Mon, 04/14/2025 - 15:03
57 views
Small business urged to apply for tourism opportunities
Small businesses have been encouraged to apply for opportunities provided by the Department of Tourism.
“The Department of Tourism is dedicated to creating an inclusive, sustainable, and resilient tourism economy. We have a variety of programmes with the specific aim of promoting tourism, alleviating poverty and creating jobs,” Tourism Deputy Minister Maggie Sotyu said.
Addressing a stakeholder engagement at the Fezile Dabi District Municipality in the Free State, the Deputy Minister said small businesses face challenges that threaten their survival and growth.
These include limited access to funding and financial support, skills gap in business management and digital transformation, market access and a lack of exposure to international tourists.
“As the government, our role is to enable and empower small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs) to overcome these barriers and it is our duty to maximise every opportunity to empower these enterprises.
“Embracing sustainable tourism by black-owned enterprises is not just about being part of a global trend, but is a necessity for resilience, competitiveness and profitability,” the Deputy Minister said on Friday.
The department’s Market Access Support Programme offers financial support to small tourism enterprises to exhibit at tourism platforms.
“I want to urge you to visit the Department of Tourism website at www.tourism.gov.za and look at this Market Access Support Incentive Programme.
“This week we are assisting 49 tourism SMMEs [small, medium, and micro enterprises] to promote their services at the World Travel Market Africa in Cape Town. We also want to encourage you to apply for our Green Tourism Incentive Programme which offers a win-win solution to tourism establishments and our greening objectives,” the Deputy Minister said.
The Green Tourism Incentive Programme is a resource efficiency programme which aims to support tourism enterprises to reduce the cost of investing in energy and water efficient solutions.
“This incentive can greatly assist a tourism establishment to reduce their electricity and water bills in the long term. The department also established a Tourism Transformation Fund and Tourism Equity Fund to support the transformation efforts in the sector.
“The Transformation Fund offers a combination of debt finance and grant funding for new and expansion tourism development projects with majority black shareholding,” she said.
For tourist guides, the department has a number of programmes including language training.
“We recently advertised for youth to apply for tourist guide training in Vredefort Dome and we are currently conducting tourist guide training in Golden Gate National Park.
“For youth in tourism, the department offers annually a bursary programme and learnership programmes, focusing on professional cooking, wine appreciation and hospitality, targeting youth with a specific interest in tourism,” said the Deputy Minister. -SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Sun, 04/13/2025 - 11:37
70 views
Government empowers spaza shops
With the launch of the R500 million Spaza Shop Support Fund (SSSF), government is ready to assist entrepreneurs who want to establish startups, expand their businesses, and gain essential business skills to improve the performance of their enterprises.
This is according to the Minister of Small Business Development, Stella Ndabeni.
With the recent drive to have spaza shops registered, government has received 87 407 applications and of these, a total 53% is from South African-owned spaza shops.
“Our commitment with this fund is to support those who heeded the President’s call to register their spaza shops. As the Department of Small Business Development (DSBD), we can help you when you have an idea and want to start a business.
“We have incubators that help new and startup businesses. We can help you from being an informal trader to a formal trader, to start a spaza shop and to own a wholesale or an entire distribution channel. We will be working with you to help you to turn things around,” said Ndabeni.
The support fund was launched on Tuesday in Soweto to support South African-owned township community convenience shops, including spaza shops, to increase their participation in the townships and rural areas retail trade sector.
READ | Government launches R500 million Spaza Shop Support Fund
Jointly administered by the National Empowerment Fund (NEF) and the Small Enterprise Development Finance Agency (SEFDA), the fund provides critical financial and non-financial support to township businesses, including community convenience stores and spaza shops.
The fund provides various types of support, including the initial purchase of stock via delivery channel partners, upgrading of building infrastructure, systems, refrigeration, shelving and security, as well as training programmes, which includes point of sale devices, business skills, digital literacy, credit health, food safety and business compliance.
“The fund will address economy of scale disadvantages by linking spaza shops to buying groups for aggregation and bulk purchasing; building business capacity through training and support to improve shop operations; and enhancing market competitiveness to help spaza shops compete with larger retailers," the Minister said.
The fund will be rolled out nationally to impact spaza shops across all major townships, as well as rural areas.
The Minister said government endeavours to work with entrepreneurs to localise supply chain opportunities for township and rural enterprises.
This will ensure that spaza shops do not procure imported products or simply use the platforms of large companies.
“To achieve this, we will utilise other instruments like the Small Enterprise Manufacturing Support Programme, Township and Rural Entrepreneurship Programmes (TREP), the Informal and Micro Enterprise Development Programme (IMEDP), Asset Assist, and our Shared Economic Infrastructure Facility.
“These programmes in turn have the potential to attract municipalities, the private sector, business and informal trader associations, and other stakeholders to work together in contributing their facilities, expertise and resources in support of new localised supply chains and distribution networks for spaza shops.
“Logistics management partners will offer logistics management services, including warehousing and delivery solutions. They will ensure that products are stored safely and delivered efficiently, reducing transportation costs, and improving the overall supply chain efficiency for spaza shops,” the Minister said.
DSBD Connect
The department has recruited 52 Business Regulation Officers across all districts and metros to support business registration using the DSBD Connect system.
DSBD Connect is a platform which will be used to collaborate or put together small business to collaborate and/or work together on a particular project.
This can be businesses within the same industries or different industries but need each other for specific skills or qualifications.
The platform will put together small businesses within the same geographical area, interests, and skills.
“Despite their importance, spaza shops face several challenges, including access to capital, security concerns, and competition from formal retailers, like larger retail stores and supermarkets which are encroaching on their markets.
"South African-owned spaza shops also face intense competition from foreign-operated spaza shops, who use more organised supply chains to gain competitiveness.
“Therefore, I want to encourage you to collaborate and establish cooperatives so that you can leverage resources, knowledge, and work together on projects, sharing best practices,” Ndabeni said.
Access to funding
To access the funding, applicants need to apply to the National Empowerment Fund (NEF) and the Small Enterprise Development Finance Agency (SEFDA) through the prescribed application process outlined on the relevant institution's website.
The following website can be used to apply for funding:
Spaza Shop Support Fund - www.spazashopfund.co.za
NEF - www.nefcorp.co.za
SEDFA - https://systems.sefa.org.za/SMMEPortal/
The contact details for the Spaza Shop Support Fund call centre are 01 1 305 8080 or via email: Spazafund@nefcorp.co.za.
Contact details for the NEF call centre are 0861 843633, SEDFA call centre 012 748 9600 or an email can be sent to helpline@sefa.org.za. - SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Wed, 04/09/2025 - 10:27
162 views
SA advocates for linguistic equity in AI at G20
South Africa has called on the Group of Twenty (G20) members to support initiatives that develop Artificial Intelligence (AI) in low-resource languages and share data and tools to make this possible.
Addressing the Meeting of the G20 Digital Economy Working Group Task Force on AI, Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Solly Malatsi, said there were over 7 000 languages spoken in the world, yet most AI models and digital content is trained on a tiny fraction of these – predominantly English and a handful of others.
“We know that AI is only as good as the data and algorithms it is built on and currently, both of these have serious gaps. One glaring gap is the linguistic and cultural diversity deficit in AI systems.
“This linguistic inequity is not just a cultural loss; it’s a practical barrier that threatens to exclude billions from the AI-driven digital economy,” the Minister said on Monday in Gqeberha.
He emphasised that AI must not only be looked at from a technology perspective, but from the standpoint of social impact.
“We must investigate how AI can help us achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. How can it improve healthcare, education, agriculture, and governance? Beyond language, ethical AI governance requires addressing issues of bias, transparency, and accountability.
“We have seen instances of AI algorithms that exhibit racial or gender bias in hiring, lending, or policing. These are systemic harms we have to root out. During our Task Force discussions, we must consider how G20 nations can share best practices on AI governance, including regulatory approaches and standards to ensure AI safety and trustworthiness,” Malatsi said.
South Africa’s G20 Presidency has set inclusion and equity at the heart of the digital agenda.
The G20 Presidency will focus on four key pillars that include bridging the digital divide with meaningful connectivity; building inclusive digital public infrastructure; nurturing innovation ecosystems for local development and championing ethical AI that respects diverse languages, cultures, and values.
“We cannot allow a new form of digital inequality to take hold in our world. We need to unite our efforts, North and South, public and private, to invest in connectivity for all. This means mobilising financing for digital infrastructure, sharing innovations to lower costs, and collaborating on policies to make internet access affordable for the poorest,” the Minister said.
The International Telecommunication Union indicates that roughly 2.9 billion people still don’t have internet access at all.
“While most of these individuals live within range of mobile broadband networks, they remain offline due to multiple factors ranging from high data costs, lack of affordable smart devices and limited digital skills. Infrastructure alone is no longer enough; the real barriers are economic, educational, and linguistic.
“And they demand our immediate collective attention. The socio-economic benefits of closing the digital divide are enormous. We cannot allow a new form of digital inequality to take hold in our world,” he said.
According to the Global System for Mobile Communications Association (GSMA), bringing the currently offline population onto the internet could add $3.5 trillion to the global economy by 2030, with 90% of the benefits flowing to developing countries.
“We propose that G20 members share strategies on supporting start-ups and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) – from startup financing initiatives to innovation hubs and tech parks, from simplifying regulatory burdens to providing mentorship networks.
“Let us commit to growing the digital innovation ecosystem in all our countries. As we discuss policy frameworks, we must also consider the idea of an innovation fund or facility to support digital entrepreneurship in underserved regions, an idea that has been floated with the notion of a possible global fund for AI and digital innovation.
“If we want a truly global digital economy, we must ensure that innovation knows no borders – that brilliant ideas from Africa, Asia, or Latin America can find the resources and support to grow,” Malatsi said. - SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Mon, 04/07/2025 - 14:42
37 views
North West traditional horse racing gives the economy a leg up
The inaugural Lobelo la Dipitsi Traditional Horse Racing event, held at Bloomtech Lodge in Vryburg at the weekend, celebrated the rich cultural heritage of the North West province while also stimulating local economic growth.
According to the North West Provincial Government (NWPG), Lobelo la Dipitsi represents a significant milestone in the province’s initiative to use traditional sports for economic development.
The race attracted an influx of visitors from across the province and neighbouring countries such as Botswana and Namibia, boosting tourism and fostering cross-border collaboration.
A key feature of the event was the small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMME) exhibition, which showcased 69 stalls supported by the Department of Economic Development, Conservation, Environment, and Tourism (DEDECT)and Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality.
These enterprises, ranging from flea market vendors to informal traders, displayed a variety of artisanal products, including handcrafted African-themed clothing, footwear, organic herbs, spices, perfumes, and wooden vases.
The gathering was attended by Premier Lazarus Mokgosi and the DEDECT MEC, Bitsa Lenkopane with the MEC emphasising the race’s role in economic transformation, saying it is not just a celebration of cultural heritage but also a strategic initiative to drive local business growth.
This platform empowers Black entrepreneurs, facilitates job creation, and strengthens the local economy.
“Through the North West Gambling Board, we envisage empowering emerging race associations with compliance in terms of acquiring relevant licenses with gambling legislations.”
During a walkabout of the flea market, the MEC engaged directly with small business owners to assess their experiences and the impact of the event on their enterprises.
She alluded to the fact that the department will continue to offer support to small businesses and cooperatives to ensure that their products are well packaged, properly labelled, and adhere to the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) requirements.
“The economic activity generated by the event reaffirmed the potential of public-private partnerships in promoting sustainable economic development.”
The event reached its highlight with an exciting prize-giving ceremony, officiated by the province’s leadership.
Lenkopane commended the participation of young riders and the involvement of regional partners from Botswana, Namibia, and Lesotho, highlighting the significance of this initiative in fostering strong economic and cultural ties.
“I am confident that Lobelo la Dipitsi has the potential to grow into a flagship event on North West’s tourism calendar,” she added.
She further extended her gratitude to the event sponsors, including GBets, Goldrush, Sunbets, CGM and other contributors, for their commitment to making the event a reality.
She also expressed gratitude to community members and horse riders for their enthusiastic participation and support.
Lobelo la Dipitsi will be rotated annually across the districts of the province, ensuring continued economic impact, cultural preservation, and regional integration.
This groundbreaking initiative has reinforced the NWPG’s commitment to empowering local communities through strategic events and sustainable economic initiatives. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Tue, 04/01/2025 - 10:03
1 view
GroundUp recently reported that extortionists are targeting schools and informal businesses in Phillipi, Nyanga and Khayelitsha. SAPS Western Cape spokesperson Colonel Andre Traut responds. Extortion is a serious crime that threatens businesses, schools, and individuals, often instilling fear and disrupting livelihoods. In response, the Western Cape police, in partnership with other law enforcement agencies, government …
The land value of the site ranks “among the highest in the southern hemisphere”
Hydroponic farming system overall winner of Global Cleantech Innovation Programme Awards
A groundbreaking hydroponic farming system has won first prize at the Global Cleantech Innovation Programme – South Africa (GCIP-SA) Awards.
This innovative system allows farmers to grow crops using up to 90% less water and requires only 10% of the land compared to traditional farming methods.
AB Farms, founded by Mogale Maleka, beat seven other competitors for the coveted sustainable development prize.
Hosted by the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) entity, the Technology Agency (TIA), the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) and the Global Environment Facility, the recently held awards acknowledged the outstanding achievements of entrepreneurs and innovators, who are driving sustainable solutions for a greener future.
According to the department, the GCIP is instrumental in South Africa’s response to the challenge of climate change by nurturing and accelerating cleantech startups and small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs).
The programme aligns with the Paris Agreement objectives and also supports South Africa in achieving its Nationally Determined Contribution targets to reduce carbon emissions from 350 to 420 megatonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent by 2030.
Maleka’s farm was recognised for its commitment to clean energy solutions.
“His innovation also reduces electricity consumption by 50% and fertiliser use by 40%, making it a game-changer for resource-scarce regions. Designed for resilience, the system ensures consistent irrigation, even during power or water disruptions,” the statement read.
Congratulating the finalists and winners, DSTI Minister Professor Blade Nzimande stressed the urgent need for sustainable solutions in South Africa, where environmental challenges such as water scarcity, air and water pollution, biodiversity loss, and extreme weather events are deepening socio-economic disparities.
“Unsustainable patterns of consumption and production have led to the triple planetary crisis of climate change, nature and biodiversity loss, and pollution and waste,” Nzimande said.
According to the Minister, this crisis has resulted in severe environmental problems, including extreme weather events like droughts, floods, heatwaves and storms, which cause widespread damage to infrastructure, agriculture, and human lives.
“South Africa, like many other parts of the world, is grappling with these challenges, making the need for climate-resilient infrastructure even more urgent,” Nzimande said.
The 2025 GCIP-SA Awards also recognised other outstanding innovators in sustainable solutions.
Runner-up, Econova Solutions, led by Sanele Mabizela, was honoured for its impactful work in clean energy and environmental sustainability.
Econova converts organic waste into biogas and organic fertilisers.
Meanwhile, the second runner-up spot went to the Graduated Man of Steel, represented by Lunga Calvin Mahlangu, for an innovation that produces affordable electric micro-mobility solutions for urban and industrial transport.
Acting Chief Executive Officer of the TIA, Ismail Abdoola, commended the entrepreneurs for driving clean technology innovations and reaffirmed the TIA’s commitment to strengthening the programme’s impact.
“We recognise the remarkable achievements of the GCIP-SA and the entrepreneurs shaping the future of our country’s cleantech ecosystem. This... is not just about celebrating accomplishments but about reaffirming our shared vision for innovation, sustainability and progress,” said Abdoola at the awards ceremony.
He also acknowledged the long-standing partnership between TIA and UNIDO, which has been instrumental in driving the success of GCIP-SA, and supporting local entrepreneurs in refining their solutions and positioning them for market success.
“The GCIP is more than a programme, it is a movement, a movement that brings together innovation, collaboration, and purpose-driven action in support of a sustainable future. As we look ahead, let us be inspired by the work done so far and remain committed to building a greener and more resilient South Africa,” Abdoola added.
The winner and runners-up will represent South Africa, in the global installment of the Cleantech Awards in Turkey in September 2025. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Tue, 03/25/2025 - 10:13
408 views
eThekwini gears up for business fair
The countdown to the North Regional Durban Business Fair has begun, which will see 150 businesses showcasing their products and services.
The eThekwini Municipality is gearing up to host the North Regional Durban Business Fair from 28 - 30 March 2025 at the Bridge City Shopping Centre in KwaMashu, north of Durban.
The third Regional Fair for the 2024/25 financial year, will provide businesses a platform for networking, business growth, empowerment and collaboration.
The exhibitors will also have opportunities to engage with potential customers, including government and municipal entities, financial institutions and fellow entrepreneurs.
The attendees will have the opportunity to participate in business seminars, where they will gain first-hand insights from industry leaders, as well as representatives from both private and public agencies.
In a recent statement, the municipality said the exhibition will run simultaneously with the two-day Business Indaba, which will explore key industry trends and provide valuable business information and opportunities.
“The Construction Development Indaba segment will kick off the exhibition on 28 March, bringing together established companies, agencies and entrepreneurs to present opportunities for emerging businesses. Topics will include how small, medium and micro enterprises can leverage artificial intelligence.
“Businesses will also be capacitated on how to engage in the Inner-City Regeneration and property development processes. This will offer valuable guidance for growth within the construction and development sectors,” the municipality said.
The focus will then shift to the Women’s Economic Empowerment Engagement on 29 March, with discussions centred on how women can empower each other through mentorship, networking, and collaboration.
Leading South African business figures are expected to drive the discussions during the Women’s Economic Empowerment Engagement.
“eThekwini Municipality, which established the Women's Economic Empowerment Programme, 19 years ago, will also highlight the achievements and present success stories of the programme, while outlining opportunities available for women entrepreneurs,” the municipality said.
The fair will also serve as an important hub for presenting international opportunities, including imports and exports. The Junior International Chamber will be exhibiting at the fairat the International Pavilion.
Additional highlights include access to government and municipal services, exhibitions by tertiary institutions, a tech zone, live cooking demonstrations, and the "kiddiepreneur" garden, amongst others.
The municipality has encouraged the public to support locally manufactured products, such as furniture, fashion, home essentials, agricultural products, health products, detergents and many more.
To reserve a spot at the Construction Development Business Indaba or the Women's Economic Empowerment Engagement, please email: zamani.shezi@durban.gov.za, or call 031 311 4500. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Mon, 03/24/2025 - 10:00
3 views