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Recently Treverton pupils went to the Cooper’s gorge section of the Umzimkhulu River near Creighton in southern KZN to participate in an informal kayak cross event. This discipline involves running a section of river of about 200m where certain obstacles in the form of pipes suspended above specific points on the river need to be …
By Andy Moore (Research & Development and Quality Control Manager at NPL) In the arena of fitness supplements, the quest for optimal performance and results often leads individuals down a maze of flashy labels and enticing promises. Among the myriad options, understanding the distinction between proprietary blends and non-proprietary blends is paramount in making informed …
Pandor believes BRICS has opportunity to shape a 'refreshed' global order
The world is at a crucial turning point, requiring decisive leadership and innovative ideas, and BRICS has a unique opportunity to influence a refreshed global order.
This is according to International Relations and Cooperation Minister, Dr Naledi Pandor, who spoke in Russia on Tuesday.
“The BRICS bloc is a legitimate voice of the global South regarding global governance reform. We also remain a critical player in global agenda setting for economic, political and social cooperation,” Pandor said.
The Foreign Ministers from the expanded BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) group of nations met for a two-day meeting focused on current international relations, global governance reform and conflict resolution.
The meeting, chaired by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, is the first since the bloc expanded in 2023 to include Egypt, Iran, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Ethiopia.
The Minister believes that the expansion of BRICS is evidence of the bloc’s growing importance and the critical role of cooperation in collectively promoting the shared interests and values of emerging and developing countries.
“It also signals our hunger for a body in the globe that embraces progressive ideals and seeks to alter the current nature of international relations to a more inclusive, equitable and development-oriented world.”
She told her colleagues that the “current complex divided global environment” demands that BRICS continue to advocate for multilateralism to play a critical role in fostering stability and cooperation in times of significant geopolitical uncertainty.
“Therefore, for our collective, multilateralism remains the only solution to successfully address global challenges such as poverty, inequality, underdevelopment, climate change, migration, disease, human trafficking, terrorism, and hunger, and to ensure an environment of sustainable peace and continuous development.
“I am convinced that our mutually beneficial cooperation through BRICS uplifts communities instead of increasing their vulnerability,” she added.
The Minister said it is evident that the world is currently falling short of achieving the development goals outlined in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
This, she said, was due to increased economic risk for the most vulnerable and persistent low growth for those with the greatest need.
“We have to urgently accelerate our collective action to achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.”
South Africa, Pandor stressed, is committed to a successful Summit of the Future.
“We are convinced that it could support efforts that bridge the development divide and provide new solutions to tomorrow’s challenges.
“We believe the summit presents an opportunity to revitalise the multilateral system and fulfil our promises to reform the current system of global governance to make it more representative and inclusive for everyone,” Pandor said. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Tue, 06/11/2024 - 13:07
In the heart of Newtown, Johannesburg, lies a bustling hub of creativity and connection—AMPD Studios, a place where passion meets productivity. Recently, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Jon Savage, a former radio DJ at 5FM and the visionary behind the African Podcast Network, to delve into his mission of empowerment within the …
Introduction Creating an engaging environment at a trade show is essential for capturing and retaining the interest of attendees. This blog will cover how to effectively use exhibition display booths, trade show booth stands, and backlit trade show displays to create a captivating presence. Your Exhibition Display Booth The layout and design of …
The mine has the king’s blessing but no environmental authorisation
With a strong slate of exploration and production activities and competitive licensing rounds in 2024, Africa is well-positioned to realize its potential as the global energy frontier. These bid rounds are poised to cement Africa as a global hub for hydrocarbon development.
Licensing rounds from Africa's leading upstream players will be on display at this year's African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energy 2024 – scheduled for November 4-8 in Cape Town. Investors will be able to access exclusive information and technical presentations from the relevant petroleum ministries and regulators on both current and planned licensing rounds as the continent seeks to attract a broader range of companies to sign new contracts and drive exploratory drilling.
AEW: Invest in African Energy is the platform of choice for project operators, financiers, technology providers and government, and has emerged as the official place to sign deals in African energy. Visit www.AECWeek.com for more information about this exciting event.
Oil and Gas Revival in North Africa
As part of the country's plan to boost oil production to two million barrels per day within the next three to five years, Libya's parastatal National Oil Corporation has announced plans for an oil and gas licensing round in 2024 or early 2025. The licensing round will focus on fields in the Sirte, Murzuq and Ghadames basins and presents a vital opportunity for Libya to attract new upstream investments.
Meanwhile, Algeria is expected to launch a licensing round offering between 10 and 12 onshore blocks in late 2024. The bid round forms part of the country's strategy to maximize its gas and LNG potential. Additionally, in September 2023, the Egyptian General Petroleum Corporation and the South Valley Petroleum Holding Company launched a new licensing round aimed at boosting the country's energy reserves and production capacity. The licensing round offers 23 on- and offshore blocks for oil and gas exploration in the Western Desert, Eastern Desert, Gulf of Suez and Red Sea.
Driving Production in Africa's Promising Frontiers
With energy supermajors bp, TotalEnergies and Shell as well as upstream independent Kosmos Energy spearheading exploration activities in Mauritania, the country's upcoming licensing round for 15 offshore blocks in 2024 is poised to mark a significant milestone in its energy sector. Mauritania's coastal basin features extensive 2D and 3D seismic data coverage covering over 100,000km and 100,000km2, respectively.
Additionally, with its latest licensing round having featured 56 offshore blocks and concluding last September, another bid round is on the horizon for Sierra Leone in 2024. Despite its position as a frontier exploration market, Sierra Leone boasts a significant petroleum system that includes the Venus-B1, Mercury-1, Jupiter-1 and Savannah-1X discoveries. The country's licensing round is supported by extensive 2D and 3D multi-client data, competitive and transparent fiscal terms and cooperation agreements in place with other African markets.
Set to spur new exploration and drilling activities in the prospective acreages of its deepwater basins, Nigeria's Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission relaunched its latest licensing round during the Invest in African Energy summit in May. The round features 12 deep offshore and shallow water oil blocks and is available for bidding through January 2025.
Propelling Southern and Eastern Africa's Energy Security
Last September, Angola's national concessionaire the National Oil, Gas and Biofuels Agency launched a public tender for 12 onshore blocks in the Kwanza and Congo Basins. Receiving 53 bids, the tender includes four blocks in Angola's Congo Basin and eight in the Kwanza Basin.
Expected for 2024 or 2025, the South African government will put up at least 10 new onshore blocks for shale gas development in the country's Karoo region to reduce imports and alleviate an ailing energy grid. The licensing round will serve as the country's first competitive auction for oil and gas resources. According to the state-owned Petroleum Agency of South Africa, the Karoo basin is estimated to hold up to 209 trillion cubic feet of recoverable shale gas and includes 90,000km2 of acreage previously held by Shell.
Tanzania has proposed auctioning up to 26 oil and gas blocks by June 2024 and will award licenses to the winners by December of the same year. The round will serve as Tanzania's fifth bid round and is designed to revive interest in the country's largely underdeveloped oil and gas sector. Of the 26 demarcated blocks open for bidding, 11 will be situated in the country's offshore while 15 will be onshore. The Tanzanian government is currently in talks with a multi-client data contractor to compile extensive 2D and 3D seismic data within the basins.
Meanwhile, having introduced a new Hydrocarbons Code in 2019, Gabon has emerged as a preferred destination for energy investors and majors due to investor-friendly reforms. Gabon's heightened interest is attributable to the deregulation of its hydrocarbons sector, which is a core aim of its recently enacted reforms.
During the AEW: Invest in African Energy conference, industry experts will unpack block opportunities across Africa's mature and emerging oil and gas markets. Through dedicated country spotlight sessions, panel discussions and investor briefings, the event promotes deal-signing and project development.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.
In the fast-paced world of business, keeping track of tasks, assignments, and project progress can be a daunting task. This is where job card software steps in, offering a streamlined solution to manage workflow efficiently. In South Africa, where diverse industries range from manufacturing to services, job card software is becoming increasingly essential. Let’s explore …
Victims of 2022 floods are still living in a “transit camp”
The streets of Durban will be buzzing with excitement on Sunday, 7 July 2024, as event sponsors go all out to create an unparalleled on-route experience at the iconic Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K. “As we gear up for the Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K, participants can once again look forward to a …
Judgment reserved in Belhar occupation case
Johannesburg, 10 June 2024: Daybreak Foods, a prominent player in the agribusiness sector, has taken a commendable step towards addressing the critical issue of youth unemployment in South Africa. The company is launching a partnership with the Youth Employment Service (YES) Programme, an initiative that is a beacon of hope for many young individuals who …
Navigating the modern suburban life, Lebang Kgosana, a dynamic hip-hop mum of six, has seamlessly blended her personal and professional passions. At just 33, Lebang has carved out a unique niche in the podcasting world with her show, “Life with Lebang,” focusing on providing support and insights to new parents. We met her at Smile …
Government on track to deliver printing machine for driver’s licence
The Department of Transport says it is on track to deliver a new driver's licence card and printing equipment for the country amid the initial challenges of finding a suitable service provider/s.
“With the evaluation and adjudication of the bids completed, the department is almost on the brink of pronouncing a new dawn in the driving licence card environment, with the audit process being the only last hurdle standing in the way,” the department said on Monday.
Cabinet gave a go-ahead for the department to produce a new driving license card for the country on 30 August 2022.
As a result, the department embarked on its first attempt to source a service provider to deliver a turnkey solution.
“The above bid was advertised on 10 November 2022. This bid process was unsuccessful, resulting in a re-advertisement of the bid on 5 April 2023. Bid DLCA/2023/01: Provision of a Turnkey Solution for Personalisation of Smart Driving Cards in South Africa was advertised in the government tender portal,” the department said.
The above bid closed on 5 May 2023, and owing to its technical complexity, this bid continues to be under consideration, which requires the department to adhere to prescribed supply chain management (SCM) prescripts and regulations.
Guided by the above, the department received five bids from the following bidders:
With the evaluation and adjudication of the bid completed, the department has emphasised that the bid is undergoing standard and required probity/audit processes.
The department cannot finalise the bid process until the above is completed.
“The department pleads for patience as it is prohibited by law not to poke its nose into the affairs of the bidding committees. In compliance with the rules and regulations on tender processes, the department can therefore not be characterised as lacking transparency. The department will pronounce on this matter when all processes have been completed,” it said. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Mon, 06/10/2024 - 15:12
The UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) Webinar on Competition law and policy approaches towards digital platforms and ecosystems in cooperation with the BRICS Competition Law and Policy Centre (https://www.BRICSCompetition.org/) and the Brazilian Administrative Council for Economic Defense (CADE) was held on June 3, in Geneva, Switzerland.
The digitalization of the economy - legislature, trade, customs, logistics, etc. - is just entering its most active stage of development, itself a preparatory stage for the automation of the economy. One of the most pressing issues now, at the initial stage of digitalization, is still the streamlining and creation of a regulatory framework for future global processes. This includes the issue of antitrust regulation, both within individual countries and various interstate associations, such as the EU or BRICS.
"Today, the actions of antitrust agencies in different countries remain disparate and fragmented. Lack of consensus leads to weakened enforcement, and ecosystems increase anti-competitive pressure on the market. Antitrust law is on the verge of losing its relevance and strength in the digital economy. We need some form of international agreement on the regulation of digital ecosystems, especially given the development of AI technologies,” emphasized Alexey Ivanov, Director of the BRICS Competition Law and Policy Center.
As the expert explained, each BRICS jurisdiction has its own objectives with regard to competition law. There is a common core, which has been defined as consumer welfare, efficient allocation of resources and economic freedom. But so far, one of the bottlenecks in dealing with digital markets is market definition - the application of traditional market definition tools is challenged by the tendency of digital markets to be highly innovative and dynamic.
The development of new definitions and indicators is one of the most important tasks of the meeting. As part of the presentation, Victor Oliveira Fernandes, Commissioner of CADE, stated that within their organization a number of new indicators have already been developed to define the platform market: for example, the ability to unilaterally impose conditions, including as a show of bargaining power, ownership of key datasets, ability to influence choice through online platform architecture, lack of transparency.
Since this year, the number of BRICS member countries has grown, and further expansion is being discussed. Moreover, the association, which remained formal for a long time, is beginning to work more actively. The more active the more real contradictions and problems. Nevertheless, experts noted that there is a significant convergence among BRICS jurisdictions in recognizing the importance of certain essential standards, such as consumer welfare standards, but there are also some differences that are worth highlighting. Authorities in different countries, especially Brazil, Russia, China and South Africa, recognize other objectives, such as ensuring economic freedom or a level playing field for small and medium-sized enterprises. And these goals can somehow be translated into more elaborate legal standards for assessing abuse of dominance.
Alexey Ivanov also focused the participants' attention on the fact that cooperation exactly within the framework of supranational associations can give real results in the fight against violations of fair competition rules by global monopolists in local markets. "Much more opportunities for developing countries lie in the area of cooperation. BRICS, as you know, is expanding and working in the area of developing joint enforcement actions, remedies, investigations, case reviews, because this is how you essentially balance the playing field in the fight against global companies,” Ivanov explained.
The meeting was attended by a wide pool of international experts and representatives of national and international competition authorities: Victor Oliveira Fernandes, Commissioner, CADE; Rajinder Punja, Economic Director, CCI/ Representative from SAMR (tbc); Masako Wakui, Professor of Law, Kyoto University; Maria Ioannidou, Professor, Queen Mary University of London; Deni Mantzari, Associate Professor, University College of London; Alexey Ivanov, Director, BRICS Competition Law and Policy Center. The experts agreed to continue working on the creation of a harmonized system of supranational instruments of antitrust regulation.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of BRICS Competition Law and Policy Centre.
About BRICS Competition Law and Policy Centre:
The BRICS Competition Law and Policy Centre was established in 2018 by the BRICS competition authorities. The Centre's work is aimed at collecting and analyzing information from competition agencies, identifying best practices, but primarily at preparing recommendations and developing approaches to competition policy that reflect the interests of the development of the BRICS economies. The key mission of the BRICS Competition Centre is to advance the development agenda and strengthen the role of competition regulation in overcoming imbalances in the global economy. The Centre brings together leading international universities and independent researchers who are actively involved in the Centre's main research projects: on global food chains, on sustainability policy and on new approaches to antitrust regulation of the digital economy.
New Catchment Management Agencies to ensure good water governance
In an effort to ensure the involvement of stakeholders in the management of water resources, the Department of Water and Sanitation is expected to launch four Catchment Management Agencies (CMAs).
They will be launched during the Water Institute of Southern Africa (WISA) conference set to take place in Durban this week.
The establishment of the Catchment Management Agencies is in line with the provisions of the National Water Act (NWA) and the National Water Policy for South Africa.
The purpose of Catchment Management Agencies is to enhance decentralised decision-making in managing water resources, in an integrated manner, at a local level.
The department said the CMAs will ensure participative management, good water governance and integrated planning and improving co-operative governance of the country’s water resources, in order to achieve the objectives of the National Water Act, equity, accessibility and government’s commitments to improving service delivery.
“A CMA manages all the water resources in a water management area at the catchment level. This means that a CMA is responsible for the protection, use, development, conservation, management and control of all the water resources in that particular water management area (WMA).
“This responsibility requires that all spheres of government, water users and communities in the water management area participate with CMAs as partners,” the department said in a statement.
Water and Sanitation Minister, Senzo Mchunu, finalised the appointment of Board Members of the Pongolo–Umzimkhulu and the Vaal-Orange Catchment Management Agencies, a decision concurred by Cabinet.
The Boards of Pongola-Umzimkhulu and Vaal-Orange CMAs appointments became effective from 1 December 2023.
The department has reconfigured the number of CMAs to six, including Limpopo-Olifants, Vaal-Orange, Pongola-Umzimkulu, Mzimvubu-Tsitsikamma, Breede-Olifants and Inkomati-Usuthu.
The boards, as the accounting authority, will operationalise the CMAs including developing the catchment management strategy, effective participation of stakeholders and management of water resources in the water management area.
“In addition, the CMA will be more responsive to water user needs and speedy decision-making around water resources management and create a customer-focused culture for water resources management,” the department explained.
The appointed board members for Pongolo–uMzimkhulu include Dr Thava Kelly (Chairperson), Sibusiso Makhanya (Deputy Chairperson), Hlengiwe Ndlovu, Bhekumuzi Gumbi, Dr Lembi William Mngoma, Snenhlanhla Mngadi, Professor Purshottama Reddy, Mdandla Myeni, and Nokuthula Khanyile.
This CMA is an amalgamation of the previous WMA areas within the KwaZulu-Natal province, such as half of the Pongola-Usuthu WMA, the Thukela WMA, and the Mvoti-Mzimkulu WMA. Interim Chief Executive, Swaswa Ntlhoro, was appointed for the transitional phase.
The appointed board members for the Vaal-Orange CMA, which operates in the Central North-eastern part of South Africa and extends from Ermelo in Mpumalanga to Kuruman in the Northern Cape, include Desmond Solomon Fransman (Chairperson), Tsakane Zwane (Deputy Chairperson), Hubert Thompson, Nontuthuzelo Njeza, Nakana Masoka, Ponatshego Mothibi, Doris Dondur, Dichikane Mashego, and Louis Van Oudtshoom. Interim Chief Executive, Solomon Mathebula, was appointed for the transitional phase.
“The Minister has finalised the appointment of Board members of Mzimvubu-Tsitsikamma and awaiting concurrence by Cabinet. Interim Chief Executive, Sibusiso Mjwara, was appointed for the transitional phase. This agency’s footprint covers the majority of the Eastern Cape, and includes portions of KwaZulu-Natal, Western Cape, and the Northern Cape.
“For the Limpopo-Olifants CMA, the Advisory Committee has concluded their recommendation for the appointment of the Board and is awaiting the vetting of candidates and concurrence by Cabinet,” the department said.
Water Institute of Southern Africa conference
Meanwhile, the three-day Water Institute of Southern Africa conference will take place at Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre in Durban, KwaZulu Natal, from 12-14 June 2024.
WISA conferences provide a platform to discuss problems and solutions facing the water and related sectors. The conference is used to create mechanisms and collaborations, to ensure an enabling environment to set us on a path of implementation and impact. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Mon, 06/10/2024 - 11:57
Coming up with ideas to spoil dad – or a father figure – can be tough, but what could be better than a family day out among wild animals complete with a delicious buffet lunch? Fish Eagle Café at Crocworld Conservation Centre in Scottburgh has got everything sorted for this year’s Father’s Day feast – …
City of Tshwane, Water and Sanitation sign agreement to address water issues
The City of Tshwane has set the wheels in motion towards formalising partnerships that will contribute towards addressing the city’s water and sanitation related challenges.
The National Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) is among the strategic partners which the city has approached not only to be involved as a regulator, but to also collaborate on various issues and leveraging the department’s technical and financial resources to jointly address the metropolitan municipality’s other challenges, including the Hennops River pollution, Rooiwal Wastewater Treatment Works and inadequate human resources.
The City of Tshwane and the department have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on various strategic areas including infrastructure planning and development, water resource planning and infrastructure solutions, and capacity building for the municipal officials.
The agreement was signed on Monday by Tshwane City Manager, Johann Mettler and Deputy Director-General for Water and Sanitation Services, Dr Risimati Mathye, at the city’s headquarters in Tshwane House.
The parties said discussions are at an advanced stage to finalise a flagship engineering candidacy development programme, which will see the secondment of candidate engineers to the City of Tshwane, as well as professional engineers who will be contracted to the city for a three-year period.
A team of engineers has undergone training under the department.
In addition, the Department of Water and Sanitation will offer free mentorship through its database of mentors to the candidate engineers to assist them to obtain their professional registration with the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA).
Once implemented successfully, the programme will assist the city in complying with the new ECSA Identification of Engineering Work Regulations.
Mathye said collaboration between the two entities is significant, particularly on the Water and Sanitation side, to fulfil its role as a regulator of the water and sanitation sector.
“Addressing our major water challenges requires a collaborative effort between the city and key water stakeholders and the DWS is one of those key players.
“We have been facing significant water challenges which have been affecting some of our residents for a longer period [and] some of these challenges can be linked to ageing infrastructure and maintenance challenges at some of our Water Treatment Plants.
“We are pleased by the will and zeal that has been shown by the city in ensuring collaborative efforts and allow us to work together in different spheres of government to ensure efficient services to the residents of Tshwane. It has always been our intention to work with local government across to capacitate them where we can, to achieve Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 6, to realise clean water and decent sanitation provision to communities,” Mathye said.
Other key areas of collaboration that the MoU will focus on include:
• Water resource planning and infrastructure solutions in line with the city’s Climate Action Plan.
• Infrastructure planning and development.
• Collaboration on water and sanitation-related programmes.
• Sustainable Development Goal 6 - Clean Water and Sanitation.
• Training and capacity building including secondment of staff between the parties.
• Education and awareness campaigns.
• Knowledge-sharing.
• Benchmarking of programmes like Green Drop, Blue Drop, No Drop.
• Joint enforcement programmes for water pollution prevention.
• Exploration of alternative water and sanitation technologies with DWS and its entities.
• Key bulk infrastructure in line with the Metropolitan Spatial Development Framework and Regionalised Spatial Development Framework.
• Any other additional area that the parties may agree to collaborate on in future.
The signed MoU reinforces the ideal of the Intergovernmental Relations Act, Act No. 13 of 2005 which implores a concerted effort by government in all spheres to work together and to integrate as far as possible their actions in the provision of services, the alleviation of poverty and the development of society. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Mon, 06/10/2024 - 12:41
Introduction Ostrich leather is renowned for its unique qualities and luxurious appeal, making it a sought-after material in the fashion and accessories industry. Despite its desirability, many people wonder why ostrich leather comes with such a high price tag. The factors contributing to its cost include its unique characteristics, the intricate tanning process, limited supply, …
The upcoming African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energy conference will feature a Just Energy Transition (JET) Summit, bringing together African energy policymakers, industry leaders, community representatives and global investors to develop actionable solutions for building a sustainable energy future.
The Summit will discuss Africa's gas market potential as a transition fuel, from financing small-scale LNG to establishing integrated LPG value chains. Prioritizing gas development for enhanced energy security and industrialization, Mozambique is home to two planned large-scale LNG developments from TotalEnergies and ExxonMobil, as well as Eni's Coral South and North projects. In South Africa, exploration company Kinetiko Energy is advancing an onshore LNG project with gas-to-power plans in Mpumalanga, while TotalEnergies is targeting FID on its Brulpadda-Luiperd conventional gas field this year, with commercial production expected by 2030.
AEW: Invest in African Energy is the platform of choice for project operators, financiers, technology providers and government, and has emerged as the official place to sign deals in African energy. Visit www.AECWeek.com for more information about this exciting event.
Africa's coal industry will also play a crucial role in shaping a just transition, with many countries relying on clean coal as a primary energy source. In South Africa, the Council for Geoscience is piloting the use of carbon capture storage and utilization technology to capture emissions from coal-fired power generation in Mpumalanga Province, leveraging funding from the World Bank. Botswana plans to construct a $2.5-billion coal-to-liquids plant, producing 12,000 barrels of diesel and gasoline daily. The facility will enable the southern African country to maximize the exploitation of its 212 billion tons of coal reserves for regional energy security, while reducing emissions, compared to using conventional coal combustion. The Just Energy Transition Summit will address strategies to decarbonize and transition existing coal power stations, while ensuring assets are not left stranded.
Africa's burgeoning green hydrogen industry is pivotal in advancing the continent's inclusive energy transition agenda. By accelerating renewable energy infrastructure development, attracting new investments, creating jobs, and fostering workforce development, Africa is maximizing its green hydrogen potential. Namibia is spearheading this movement with the $10 billion Tsau/Khaeb project, securing funding from global investors including the German government, Japanese investors, and regional financial institutions. The Just Energy Transition Summit will spotlight projects and investment opportunities in Africa's leading green hydrogen markets, such as Mauritania, Egypt, South Africa, and Morocco, illustrating their significant role in driving the energy transition continent-wide.
Furthermore, the Summit will highlight the intersection of social justice, environmental sustainability and economic policies, and how African leaders can prioritize local workforce development as part of the transition. Private and public sector entities across Africa are introducing policies and programs aimed at supporting local capacity building and female empowerment, ensuring that oil and gas sector activities are inclusive. Last month, Angola-based investment firm ABO Capital launched the Amity Training Center in Luanda to equip the next-generation workforce with technical skills across various sectors, including oil and gas. Namibia is also prioritizing local content with the launch of its draft Local Content Policy last November, anticipating an upcoming oil and gas boom and affirming capacity building as a critical component of a just transition.
“The exploitation of Africa's oil, gas, renewable and coal resources is crucial for a successful, inclusive and just energy transition. Increasing female and youth participation – another critical component of the Just Energy Transition Summit – will also ensure value addition to local economies, while ensuring long-term stability of energy markets,” states NJ Ayuk, the Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.
L’Oréal Paris proudly unveils its partnership with the multi-talented actress, entrepreneur, and global influencer Temi Otedola as the new Sub-Saharan African Digital Brand Ambassador for L’Oréal Paris Makeup. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in celebrating beauty in all its forms across the continent and reaffirms L’Oréal Paris’s commitment to diversity and empowerment. Temi Otedola’s …
10 June 2024- Birthed in 2018, Stylin Dredz Creative Conquerors has been an ode to the individuals who live outside of societal norms and expectations, carving a path for themselves in their passions and creative disciplines. The campaign, which started out as an ode to these hand-picked trailblazers, has had one clear goal: To support …
Polygon (www.PDOOH.co.za), South Africa's largest programmatic digital out of home (DOOH) publisher network, has recently announced that it will be expanding its network across Africa. This brings it one step closer to realising its vision of offering marketers a single point of entry into the largest network of DOOH inventory across the continent.
At the start of June, Polygon will be able to offer advertisers inventory in Namibia, Botswana and Zambia, while in August, Mauritius, Ghana and Kenya will also come online. Towards the end of the year, the publisher network will add screens in Nigeria, Uganda, Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Angola to its inventory arsenal.
Remi du Preez, Managing Director at Polygon, explains that June's roll-out – as well as the roll-out planned for later this year – will be located at petrol station forecourts spearheaded under the Vivo brand. Forecourts are renowned among advertisers for their high dwell times and attention-capturing displays. This is made possible by Polygon's partnership with media owner Oasis Digital Networks, which has the rights to build sites at these petrol stations.
“We are expanding our large format digital network across the most frequented petrol stations in each country; from Windhoek, Gaborone, and Lusaka to other key hubs that travellers are likely to visit when moving through the major cities of these regions.”
Says Reinhardt Hanel, CEO of Oasis Digital Networks “What excited us about partnering with Polygon is that it is strongly rooted in the DOOH market and it understands the value proposition that our network of inventory offers to advertisers.”
Du Preez explains that historically – and as with other emerging markets – when purchasing inventory in Africa, there was often a lack of consistency and transparency in reporting. Media buyers faced concerns about the number of ad serves that were promised, versus actually delivered.
Through its programmatic network, Du Preez says that Polygon can offer advertisers complete transparency. “Buyers have immediate access to the programmatic demand-side platform (DSP), which offers a clear view as to what is happening on the ground.”
He adds that up until now, programmatic buying throughout Africa has been limited. “Through these new network integrations, we're on our way to creating an African ‘mega network' that will allow digital strategists to buy programmatically anywhere on the continent and across a variety of venue types.
“We already have an array of digital strategists booking campaigns in Africa via Google, YouTube and Facebook; however, they now have the option to use these same tools to add DOOH to the mix, delivering high-impact, omnichannel campaigns.”
Adds Hanel: “Polygon, led by Remi, has positioned its business as an authority in the programmatic DOOH space, which is helpful to brands wanting to chart new ground in the outdoor arena.
“It has worked tirelessly to support media owners, like Oasis, in offering clients programmatic solutions. By marketing our inventory, they unlock new opportunities and revenue for us, fast-tracking our sales. We believe that they will play a key role in driving the move to greater programmatic availability in Africa.”
Concludes Du Preez: “This expanded network will not only allow media strategists and buyers to consolidate buying; it will also add value to the continent's media owners, who can now bank on a new stream of revenue, ultimately boosting Africa's economies.”
For more information, please visit www.PDOOH.co.za
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Polygon.
Call to minimise marine pollution
Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment Minister, Barbara Creecy has urged citizens to play their part in minimising marine pollution by adopting sustainable practices, including reducing littering, participating in beach clean-ups, and recycling materials.
Creecy made the call as South Africa joined the global community in celebrating World Oceans Day (WOD), held under the theme ‘Awaken New Depths.’
Observed on 08 June, the main objective of this year's WOD celebrations was to highlight the vital role of oceans in shaping socio-economic realities and environmental sustainability.
World Oceans Day also falls in June which is observed as Environment Month in South Africa.
“As a maritime nation bordered by three vast oceans — the Atlantic, Indian, and Southern, South Africa recognises the significance of our oceanic territory and the imperative to deepen our understanding and ensure protection of this invaluable ecosystem. Oceans influence weather patterns, support diverse ecosystems, and provide livelihoods for millions of people worldwide, including 40% of South Africa's population residing within 100km of the coastline.
"The theme ‘Awaken New Depths’ encapsulates our commitment to explore and harness the immense potential of our oceans. Through concerted efforts, we aim to enhance our understanding of marine environments and promote sustainable use for the benefit of current and future generations," Creecy said.
With an Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) extending 200 nautical miles into the ocean surrounding the mainland and encompassing territories such as the Prince Edward and Marion Islands, South Africa boasts a vast maritime area of 1.5 million square kilometres.
Despite this expansive territory, much of the world's oceans remain unexplored, emphasising the need for increased awareness and conservation efforts.
Creecy said South Africa has in the past few days experienced adverse weather conditions that have led to the destruction of property and loss of life, noting that the origin of this weather phenomena can be traced back to its source, the ocean.
“The heavy rains in the Eastern and Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal were due to the air-sea interaction processes. South African scientists and international collaborators are working hard to study these extreme events to understand their frequency and magnitude in future to be able to mitigate against devastating impacts in future.
“By working together, we can unlock the vast potential of our oceans while preserving their ecological integrity for generations to come. As we commemorate World Oceans Day, let us awaken to the depths of our oceans and embrace our role as custodians of these precious resources. - SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Sun, 06/09/2024 - 10:20