MyZA
News, Directory, Events and Other Stuff
Put on your thinking cap and rise to the challenge of unearthing ‘treasure’ in a new and dynamic mix of digital and physical tasks in the unmissable Plascon Treasure Hunt at Decorex Cape Town and Joburg 2024. There are very real rewards – a chance of winning R10 000, and other exciting prizes. Africa’s leading …
Stay ahead in the tech world with the latest gadgets and devices from GeeWiz. Whether you’re upgrading your home entertainment system or looking for new tech accessories, GeeWiz has you covered. Pure Sine Wave Inverter for Quality Power For uninterrupted and clean power, consider a pure sine wave inverter. This device ensures that your …
Top Eight Teams to Compete at BAL Playoffs (www.BAL.NBA.com) and Finals in Kigali, Rwanda from May 24 - June 1; Bank of Kigali Joins BAL's Roster of Marketing Partners for Playoffs and Finals.
The 2024 Basketball Africa League (BAL) Playoffs will tip off on Friday, May 24 at BK Arena in Kigali, Rwanda featuring the top eight teams (https://apo-opa.co/3wP67QQ) from the league's Kalahari (https://apo-opa.co/3wCKu6N), Nile (https://apo-opa.co/4awYBbE) and Sahara (https://apo-opa.co/3yxDXuA) conference group phases that were held in Pretoria, South Africa; Cairo, Egypt; and Dakar, Senegal, respectively: FUS Rabat Basketball (Morocco), Petro de Luanda (Angola), Cape Town Tigers (South Africa), Al Ahly (Egypt), Al Ahly Ly (Libya), Rivers Hoopers (Nigeria), AS Douanes (Senegal) and US Monastir (Tunisia).
The complete game schedule for the Playoffs and Finals, which is available at BAL.NBA.com, features four seeding games followed by an eight-game, single-elimination playoffs, culminating with the 2024 BAL Finals on June 1 at 4:00 p.m. CAT. Tickets for the Playoffs and Finals are on sale now at BAL.NBA.com and Ticqet.rw.
In conjunction with the Playoffs and Finals, the BAL and Bank of Kigali today announced a collaboration to drive fan attendance and elevate the in-arena experience throughout the week. Bank of Kigali joins the BAL's roster of partners that also includes Foundational Partners Rwanda Development Board, NIKE, Jordan Brand and Wilson, as well as marketing partners Afreximbank, Castle Lite, Hennessy and RwandAir.
Below are notable facts and figures about the 2024 BAL season:
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Basketball Africa League (BAL).
Contact:
Edwin Eselem
Basketball Africa League
+221 786154287
EEselem@thebal.com
Construction of Stellantis forges ahead
The final building blocks have been laid for the establishment of South Africa’s latest automotive manufacturing site, paving the way for construction to begin at the Coega Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Gqeberha, Nelson Mandela Bay, in the Eastern Cape.
Stellantis, the world’s third biggest automotive manufacturer by volume, and South Africa’s largest development funder, the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) have concluded key milestones that will lead to a joint venture.
The investment estimated at R3 billion is expected to facilitate the creation of massive employment opportunities in the Eastern Cape.
The Coega Development Corporation (CDC), which is supplying the ground on which the factory will be built, has begun preparing the site for the start of construction.
“I welcome the progress made with concluding all modalities with Stellantis that will enable construction to commence this year and start of production of a new auto model to roll off the assembly line by the end of 2025,” said Ebrahim Patel, Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition.
“The SA auto industry is Africa’s largest producer of cars, bakkies and trucks and this new investment by Stellantis will consolidate the country’s position, helping us to achieve the goal of producing 1.4 million vehicles by 2035.
“The biggest attractions for new investors are the size of the domestic market, together with the auto industry masterplan, which supports local production for both South Africa and export markets,” said the Minister.
He added that Stellantis has a strong growth vision with an excellent range of vehicles in its global stable.
“We look forward through this investment to increasing the range of locally manufactured cars available to motorists,” Patel said.
The Minister said it was heartening to see the manner in which the combination of expertise within the collective of the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC), the IDC, CDC and Stellantis united to form a cross functional team that is making excellent progress.
“It’s this teamwork that will realise not only having Stellantis as SA’s eighth OEM, but most importantly in realising the plans for employment and investment in South Africa and support our industrialisation drive.
“We look forward to a long and mutually beneficial relationship between Stellantis and South Africa,” Minister Patel said.
Stellantis Middle East Africa (MEA) COO, Samir Cherfan, Stellantis SA MD Mike Whitfield, IDC interim CEO David Jarvis, including CDC Acting CEO Themba Khoza agreed with Patel’s sentiment stating that progress made so far was in line with their respective organisation’s strategic development goals.
“The construction of this plant is critical to Stellantis’s Dare Forward 2030 strategy. This strategy also speaks to the South African industrialisation plan which is a very important tool in helping us achieve our target to produce a million units in the MEA region by 2030 – a factor that will help us attain 22% market share in this region.
“Our medium to long-term objective is to ensure that 90% of vehicles sold in the MEA region are sourced from our production plants in this region,” said Cherfan.
The project is a major vote of confidence in South Africa as an investment destination and as a gateway into Africa.
“We are very proud of being involved in this; the construction of this plant is a major statement of faith in this country and the capacity of South Africans to be entrusted with running a project of this magnitude.
“This is a factory of which we can all be proud of, not just because of what it will represent to the people of the Eastern Cape, but also because of the technological advances that it will incorporate and the environmentally conscious way that it has been planned, will be built and will be operated,” Cherfan added.
All fauna and flora have been successfully removed from the site and rehomed as per the environmental impact study conducted by Coega.
Coega Acting CEO Themba Koza said: “Coega is focused on delivering the finest plant for Stellantis, reinforcing the Coega SEZ as an automotive hub in the country, in line with its vision to be the leading catalyst for the championing of socio-economic development.
“The impending construction of the Stellantis factory has acted as a catalyst to other investors. We have had numerous requests to support the automotive sector in Coega and to rapidly grow our planned supplier park.”
IDC’s Jarvis said the new company to house the Stellantis-IDC JV is on track to be registered.
“The milestones concluded thus far will help to kick start a project that will significantly improve the economic fortunes of the Eastern Cape,” Jarvis said.
He added that the IDC is pleased to be partnering with such a reputable automotive manufacturing company of Stellantis’s stature.
“Stellantis’s success with other manufacturing plants around the world is well-known. Together, we are highlighting the IDC’s intent to continually participate and drive investment to develop the regional automobile value chain,” Jarvis said. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Thu, 05/23/2024 - 12:44
First-ever tour to Africa by one of Carnegie Hall’s three acclaimed National Youth Ensembles to include debut performances in Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town from 22 July – 5 August 2024. Program to include big band classics, new arrangements and a new Carnegie Hall-commissioned work by South African composer Sibusiso Mash Mashiloane. Artistic Director and …
Johannesburg, May 2024- It’s impossible to talk about Mexican culture and not think of the rich and vibrant colours punctuated by geometric shapes that make up the medley of Mexican heritage. These vibrant colours go beyond the elaborate prints, bold hues and tones that are synonymous with Mexico and its people, but trickle down to …
Universal Ballot Template widens access to democracy
The Electoral Commission (IEC) says the Universal Ballot Template, a voting aid designed to empower persons with disabilities and special needs, will help this section of the population to exercise their democratic right independently and with the utmost secrecy.
This, according to the Commission, was developed in collaboration with the South African National Council for the Blind.
Speaking at the launch of the National Result Operation Centre (ROC) in Midrand on Wednesday, the Electoral Commission Chief Electoral Officer, Sy Mamabolo, said on 27 and 28 May, the Commission will accept Special Votes from the 1 668 076 South Africans who were approved for this category of votes.
“The Commission will visit 624 593 voters at their homes or places of confinement, and 1 043 483 will be assisted at voting stations where they are registered,” he said.
Mamabolo said in addition to trained staff, agents from political parties and independent candidates, as well as accredited observers will be present when the special votes are cast.
“As we embark on this momentous journey, we find inspiration in the unwavering commitment of our staff, who will be present at all 23 303 voting stations, diligently attending to the needs of those unable to visit the stations, ensuring a seamless and inclusive voting experience for all,” Mamabolo said.
Mamabolo said the appointment of 202 500 voting officials, including a new category of staff dedicated to enhancing the counting quality, underscores the Commission’s resolute dedication to upholding the integrity of the electoral process.
“The Commission takes immense pride in announcing the completion of ballot printing and delivery of over 90 million ballots meticulously prepared for this historic occasion.
“Voters will be presented with three ballot papers: The National Compensatory Ballot for political parties, the Provincial Ballot, and the Regional Ballot for parties and independent candidates. We remind all voters of the sacred principle, 'One ballot, One Mark'," Mamabolo said.
According to Mamabolo, provinces with the most approved special votes for both home visits and voting station visits are Gauteng (335 480), KwaZulu-Natal (320 010), Eastern Cape (286 059), Limpopo (159 800), Western Cape (137 558), North West (132 627), Mpumalanga (126,112), Free State (86,908), and Northern Cape (83,504).
“It is important to point out that in addition to our trained staff, agents from political parties and independent candidates, as well as accredited observers, will be present when the special votes are cast,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Thu, 05/23/2024 - 10:55
At RS Imports, finding high-quality electronics at unbeatable prices is more than just a promise—it’s a guarantee. Specializing in unboxed deals and pre-owned products, RS Imports is your go-to source in South Africa for electronics that feel just like new without the hefty price tag. Wake Up Right with Top-Tier Coffee Machines Imagine starting …
[Johannesburg, SA]: Investigation Discovery, the leading true crime network, announced Fallen Idols: Nick and Aaron Carter, a four-part docuseries that delves into the lives of Nick and Aaron Carter. From their outsized fame in the late 1990s and early 2000s to their headline-making struggles in recent years, the docuseries pulls back the curtain on the …
Cape Town, South Africa – Against the backdrop of one of Africa’s most vibrant cities, Decorex Cape Town returns from 6 to 9 June 2024 at the CTICC, showcasing cutting-edge design, curated exhibitions, inspiring talks, and product launches. As part of RX Africa’s commitment to sustainability, Decorex Cape Town 2024 marks a significant step towards …
The provincial social development department must provide funding contracts to successful organisations by the end of May
Business coaching – a discipline that has changed, evolved, and transformed in leaps and bounds since the 1800s. This year marks a milestone for the craft, as ActionCOACH Southern Africa commemorates 17 years of operation. It is a chance to also reflect on the road that brought us here, and the journey ahead for business …
New housing development will not only be for the backyarders, says the City
Homes handed over to workers of Phase 1 of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project
Water and Sanitation Minister, Senzo Mchunu, in partnership with the Trans-Caledon Tunnel Authority (TCTA), has donated 40 houses to families living in the Kgubetswana Township in Clarens, Free State.
The residential houses were built by TCTA as accommodation for out-of-town staff members working on the construction of the Ash River Outfall during the implementation of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project Phase 1 (LHWP-1).
The organisation started leasing out the houses to the residents of Kgubetswana with the intention of selling them to occupying residents at a discounted price.
However, according to TCTA Chief Executive, Percy Sechemane, the TCTA struggled to sell the houses to the resident occupants over the last 28 years due to affordability issues, as most of the occupants were either elderly or unemployed.
After consultations between the department and TCTA, the parties decided to donate the houses to their original occupants who were part of Phase 1 of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project.
Speaking at the event on Tuesday, Mchunu emphasised government’s commitment to ensuring the upliftment of communities.
“The donation of these houses demonstrates our commitment to better the lives of citizens, wherever we can. Through the TCTA, we will continue to develop initiatives that bring dignity and progress to our communities. This quality and the size of houses is the best, and I would have loved to do more, but that in the hands of the mayor now, the standard has been set,” Mchunu said.
In 2006, the houses were valued between R65 000 and R85 000, however, a recent valuation in preparation for the transfer of ownership to the beneficiaries indicated that the current value of the houses was between R380 000 and R640 000.
“The value of the properties being donated to the 39 families and an NGO servicing persons living with disabilities is R16 720 000. The property sizes range from 208m² to 302m²,” Mchunu said.
Sechemane said the process of property transfer is currently being finalised at the Deeds Office, and all new owners will be receiving their title deeds in the next six weeks.
“It is believed that such a massive transfer of property ownership to these families and the escalation of the property value to multiple times the original value, will make a significant contribution in boosting the property values in the area,” said Sechemane.
One of the beneficiaries and a local community leader, Sonwabo Morgan Ngubane, expressed the beneficiaries’ profound gratitude for being granted the opportunity to own their homes.
“Today we made history. We have been working diligently with TCTA over the years, helping to resolve all the outstanding issues to ensure that the organisation can reach this day,” Ngubane said.
The handover of houses to new owners was preceded by an engagement between the Minister, TCTA and representatives from Free State municipalities on water and sanitation services in the province.
During the engagement, Mchunu implored municipalities in the province to do all it can to overcome any challenges hindering water and sanitation services provision in the province.
TCTA re-assured municipal representatives that the Lesotho Highlands Tunnel closure from October 2024 to March 2025 for maintenance, will not adversely affect water provision in both Free State and Gauteng provinces.
“We continue to work with the DWS provincial office in Free State and local municipalities to explain all the processes we are following to ensure that water provision will continue uninterrupted during the six-month period of maintenance,” Sechemane said.
TCTA is a state-owned entity under the Department of Water and Sanitation and is responsible for financing and implementing bulk raw water infrastructure in South Africa, including the South African portion of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project.
The Lesotho Highlands Water Project is a multi-phased initiative established by a 1986 treaty between the governments of Lesotho and South Africa, designed to provide water to South Africa’s Gauteng region and generate hydroelectricity for Lesotho.
The project includes the construction of a series of dams to harness the waters of the Senqu/Orange River in Lesotho’s highlands, for the mutual benefit of both countries.
Phase I of the project was completed in 2003 and inaugurated in 2004, with Phase II currently underway and expected to be completed by 2028. The project is envisaged to yield a capacity of 14 cubic metres per second to the Vaal River System. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Wed, 05/22/2024 - 10:07
High schools called to participate in youth water prize competition
The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) in Gauteng has called on local high schools to participate in the South African Youth Water Prize (SAYWP) competition.
The department made the call during a recent District Eskom Expo held at Johannesburg Sci-Bono Discovery Centre.
The South African Youth Water Prize competition is an important part of the department's education programme and it aims to educate learners and society on various water resource management issues, including water use efficiency, water quality monitoring, protection of water resources, public health and hygiene awareness, and identification of invasive species.
The competition targets Grades 9, 10, and 11 learners who possess innovative ideas and projects that can help tackle the water and sanitation crisis in their communities.
The competition starts at the provincial level to the national level, and then proceeds to the global level in Stockholm, Sweden.
Mphothulo Eulicia from the department’s Gauteng regional office said taking part in the South African Youth Water Prize is a step towards empowering youth to become future leaders in water resource management.
“By encouraging innovation and creativity, the department is nurturing a new generation of problem solvers who can help create a sustainable water future for South Africa,” Eulicia said.
During the District Eskom Expo, the department presented the SAYWP to mobilise schools for the 2025 adjudications and encouraged them to start their preparations early.
Eulicia said that out of the 11 schools who were present at the expo, only five were recognised for the 2025 South African Youth Water Prize, which indicates the high level of competition and the need for schools to immediately start planning and working on their projects.
She said participating in the SAYWP can potentially change the life of a learner for the better, and emphasised the importance of not letting such opportunity slip by.
“The prizes awarded to winners of the competition are quite substantial, including bursaries, laptops, trophies, and cash prizes, among others. These prizes can serve as a stepping stone for the youth towards a brighter future.
“By engaging in these competitions, students not only have the opportunity to showcase their innovative solutions to water and sanitation challenges but also stand a chance to win valuable prizes that can positively impact their educational and career trajectories,” Eulicia said.
A Grade 10 learner from Greenside High School in Johannesburg earned the top spot in the provincial leg of this year’s National South African Youth Water Prize competition with his innovative approach to water resource management.
Yaseen’s brilliant water and sanitation innovation idea won him a prize of R6000, a first-place trophy, and a bursary.
The second place went to Good Hope Secondary School with an awareness project. The school walked away with a prize of R5 000 and a second-place trophy.
The Greenside Secondary School also scooped third place with an awareness project and won a prize of R4 000.
Interested schools can access more information at https://www.dws.gov.za/Projects/SAYWP/contact.aspx or contact Reshoketswe Malepe at MalepeM@dws.gov.za or on 083 8643 493. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Wed, 05/22/2024 - 10:49
But the Eastern Cape Department of Health says there’s no money to renovate the clinic
“Significant progress” recorded in Operation Vulindela reform initiative
Director-General (DG) in the Presidency Phindile Baleni says Operation Vulindlela has made significant progress in reforming the economy since its announcement nearly four years ago.
She was speaking during a media briefing aimed at providing an update on progress in the implementation of economic reforms through Operation Vulindlela.
Operation Vulindlela is a government-driven initiative aimed at accelerating the implementation of structural reforms in key sectors to achieve inclusive growth in the economy.
“Significant progress has been made in reforming our economy since the President announced the establishment of Operation Vulindlela in October 2020.
“Our economic challenges are complex and deep rooted. However, the progress that we have made in implementing the economic reforms through Operation Vulindlela give us confidence that they will be overcome. While the impact of these reforms may not be immediate, they will be significant.
Electricity
In the electricity sector, government has moved to do away with some barriers to private electricity generation – resulting in massive investment in that space.
“In the energy sector, regulatory changes have resulted in a massive increase in private investment in electricity generation with a pipeline of more than 22 500MW of confirmed projects in development.
“The reform of the energy system has now far advanced with the passage of the Electricity Regulation Amendment Bill and the establishment of the National Transmission Company of South Africa, amongst other key milestones.
“We are already seeing the impact of these reforms in reduced load shedding and in the proliferation of new energy projects across the country,” Baleni said.
Logistics
Regarding logistics, Operation Vulindlela is aimed at growing exports in the country through the improvement of efficiency.
“Greater private participation in port terminal operations has been enabled and the freight rail network is being opened to competition. These reforms will allow more volumes to be transported via rail and support export growth while making our logistics systems more efficient and competitive.
“The Freight Logistics Roadmap, which was adopted by cabinet in December last year, continues to guide the implementation of these reforms,” the DG said.
Telecoms and water sector
Baleni asserted that strides made through Operation Vulindlela in the telecoms sector are already bearing fruit with decreased costs in data just but one example.
“One of the earliest milestones in the economic reform programme was the completion of the spectrum auction – ending a more than 10 year delay and contributing to reduced data costs and improved network quality and reach,” she said.
Turning to the water sector, Baleni said reforms have led to the clearing of the backlog in water use license applications which stood at more than 1000.
“[The] license application system has been improved to reduce processing times. Concrete steps have been taken to strengthen institutions in the water system, to improve regulation as well as to encourage investment in the infrastructure,” she said.
Visa reforms
Government has also embarked on reforms for South Africa’s visa regime in order to attract skills and to encourage growth in tourism to the country.
“The e-Visa system is now available in 34 countries while visas have been waived for visitors from 135 countries. The recommendations of the work visa review task team, which was completed last year, are now being implemented including the establishment of the Trusted Employer Scheme and a points based system for work visas,” Baleni said.
Working together
The DG emphasised that one of the key drivers to achieving the progress that Operation Vulindlela has produced is collaboration.
“Perhaps the most important lesson of Operation Vulindlela is that we can achieve significant progress by enabling collaboration across government and putting in place clear, time bound plans and by establishing systems to support delivery and ensure accountability.
“More than 15 government departments and entities have contributed to the implementation of these reforms through new ways of working and a singular focus on implementation and results. Above all, this report demonstrates that government is fully committed to staying the course on the reform agenda and removing constraints on growth,” Baleni said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Wed, 05/22/2024 - 13:02
World Rugby has proudly announced the selection of Nigerian Princess Alban Ugonwaezeh-Agugo for the Capgemini Women in Rugby Leadership Programme for 2024 and 2025. This prestigious program aims to elevate the visibility of female leaders within the rugby community and accelerate the development of the women's and girls' game, in the lead-up to the Women's Rugby World Cup 2025.
Princess Ugonwaezeh-Agugo, 37, hails from Adazi-Nnukwu, Anaocha LGA in Anambra State, Nigeria. She is one of only four individuals selected from Africa and one of 25 chosen globally by World Rugby to participate in this groundbreaking initiative. Joining her from Africa are Ingrid Sibusisiwe Mangcu from South Africa, Nour Khaled from Tunisia, and Menna Sedky from Egypt.
Participants in the Capgemini Women in Rugby Leadership Programme will gain access to top-tier learning opportunities through the Capgemini University. Each scholar will be paired with a mentor appointed by World Rugby as well as a Capgemini coach. Additionally, they are eligible to apply for an extra discretionary grant of up to £5,000 to support their development and learning.
An excited Princess Ugonwaezeh-Agugo shared her enthusiasm with NRFF media, stating, "This is a significant achievement for Nigeria, and it will help inspire other women to reach for the sky. I am really excited about this program because it means so much to me and for the growth of the game in my locality and Nigeria at large. I hope I can bring whatever I learn back home and implement it to foster the development of rugby in the country."
Earlier this year, Princess Ugonwaezeh-Agugo was awarded a similar scholarship by Rugby Africa to study Sports Management at the Lunex University of Luxembourg. This accolade marked the first time a Nigerian received such recognition from Rugby Africa, highlighting her pioneering role in advancing the sport within her country.
Under the leadership of Dr. Ademola Are, the Nigeria Rugby Football Federation (NRFF) is opening new opportunities for Nigerians to embrace rugby and encouraging greater female participation in the sport. The federation's efforts are paving the way for the next generation of female leaders in rugby, ensuring the sport's growth and development across Nigeria and beyond.
Princess Ugonwaezeh-Agugo's selection for this international program not only brings honor to Nigeria but also underscores the country's potential to produce world-class talent and leaders in the sport of rugby. As she prepares to embark on this journey, the entire nation watches with pride and anticipation, eager to see the positive impact she will make on the global stage and back home.
Office of the President of
Nigeria Rugby Football Federation
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Nigeria Rugby Football Federation (NRFF).
PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA – Tuesday, 21 May 2024 – As trust in leadership reaches an all-time low, a new book aims to transform leaders and their impact. ‘Lead Like Morpheus: The Genius of Conscious Leadership’, the debut title from author Ian Hatton, challenges readers to embark on their own journey of conscious leadership. The outcome? …
The Coca-Cola system, consisting of The Coca-Cola Company and its authorised bottler Coca-Cola Beverages Africa (https://www.CCBAGroup.com), has announced its intention to grow its investment in Kenya by up to $175 million over the next five years, should the business achieve its anticipated growth targets in the country.
Hosting Kenyan President H.E. Dr William Ruto at The Coca-Cola Company's headquarters in Atlanta, Sunil Gupta, CEO of Coca-Cola Beverages Africa, said, “The Coca-Cola system has been an integral part of Kenya's landscape for more than 75 years. Today, we are excited to announce our intention to strengthen this legacy through a substantial investment.”
“This investment is aimed at accelerating the Coca-Cola system's capacity and capability expansion over the next five years. Our decision to invest underscores our belief in the long-term potential of Kenya's economy,” Gupta said.
Luisa Ortega, President of The Coca-Cola Company's Africa Operating Unit, emphasized the importance of collaboration with the government to create a stable policy environment. "The Coca-Cola system has been part of communities in Kenya for more than seven decades. We are excited to continue growing our business and supporting communities across Kenya for many years to come," said Ortega.
The Coca-Cola system has a rich legacy of refreshing Africa and making a difference in the East Africa region, where it is a major employer, directly employing 10,000 people.
The Coca-Cola system also works with over 500,000 Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises across the region, giving the company a direct connection to the experiences shared by many businesses in Kenya and across the East African region.
“Our value chain supports livelihoods for over a million people in distribution, sales and other roles,” said Gupta. “We source close to 8,000 metric tons of mango puree from East African farmers. We believe in the region's potential and its ability to achieve significant growth through collaboration between public and private sectors. Our business in Kenya is centered on a local approach - we hire locally, produce locally, distribute locally and source locally.”
“We are optimistic and fully committed to Kenya's future. We foresee great social and economic advancement, and this is why we continue to invest in our Kenyan business as well as community programs that help strengthen Kenya's prosperity,” Ortega concluded.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Coca Cola Beverages Africa.
ISSUED BY:
Wendy Thole-Muir
Group Head of Reputation and Communication
Coca-Cola Beverages Africa
Tel: +27 83 795 8524
Email: WThole-Muir@ccbagroup.com
Clifford Machoka
Senior Director
Public Affairs
Communication & Sustainability
East & Central Africa
Coca-Cola Africa
Tel: +254 734 109 260/1
Email: cmachoka@coca-cola.com
About The Coca‑Cola Company:
The Coca‑Cola Company (NYSE: KO) is a total beverage company with products sold in more than 200 countries and territories. Our company's purpose is to refresh the world and make a difference. We sell multiple billion-dollar brands across several beverage categories worldwide. Our portfolio of sparkling soft drink brands includes Coca‑Cola, Sprite and Fanta. Our water, sports, coffee, and tea brands include Dasani, smartwater, vitaminwater, Topo Chico, BODYARMOR, Powerade, Costa, Georgia, Gold Peak and Ayataka. Our juice, value-added dairy and plant-based beverage brands include Minute Maid, Simply, innocent, Del Valle, fairlife and AdeS. We're constantly transforming our portfolio, from reducing sugar in our drinks to bringing innovative new products to market. We seek to positively impact people's lives, communities and the planet through water replenishment, packaging recycling, sustainable sourcing practices and carbon emissions reductions across our value chain. Together with our bottling partners, we employ more than 700,000 people, helping bring economic opportunity to local communities worldwide. Follow us on Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/42DbAWX), Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/4bKvZ0m) and LinkedIn (https://apo-opa.co/4bpOQ03).
About Coca-Cola Beverages Africa:
Coca-Cola Beverages Africa is the 8th largest Coca-Cola bottling partner in the world by revenue, and the largest on the continent. It accounts for over 40% of all Coca-Cola products sold in Africa by volume. With over 18,000 employees in Africa, CCBA services more than 720,000 customers with a host of international and local brands. The group was formed in July 2016 after the successful combination of the southern and east Africa bottling operations of the non-alcoholic ready-to-drink beverages businesses of The Coca-Cola Company, SABMiller plc and Gutsche Family Investments. CCBA shareholders are currently: The Coca-Cola Company 66.5% and Gutsche Family Investments 33.5%. CCBA operates in 15 countries, including its six key markets of South Africa, Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda, Mozambique, and Namibia, as well as Tanzania, Botswana, Ghana, Zambia, the islands of Comoros and Mayotte, Eswatini, Lesotho and Malawi.
Learn more at https://www.CCBAGroup.com
Follow us on LinkedIn (https://apo-opa.co/4dfq8AC)
Nzimande opens first-ever nuclear medicine research facility in Pretoria
The Nuclear Medicine Research Infrastructure (NuMeRI) facility - the continent’s first nuclear medicine research facility, which features a cyclotron for producing isotopes used in radiation therapy – was officially opened on Tuesday, in Pretoria.
The NuMeRI will provide consolidated expertise in nuclear technologies in medicine and biosciences, creating significant research, development and innovation capacity in South Africa and will assist in the treatment of cancer and other diseases.
Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Dr Blade Nzimande, who opened the facility, told guests the world-class facility is a product of South Africa’s long-standing cooperation with the European Union (EU) that dates back to 2012.
Under this agreement, the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) collaborated with the EU to develop a South African first Research Infrastructure Roadmap (SARIR) for the country.
“The mobilisation of innovation and technology to address the disease burden and the need to provide quality health care to all South Africans is a key priority of my department’s Decadal Plan on Science, Technology, and Innovation,” said the Minister, adding that the NuMeRI was an important pillar in this effort.
The NuMeRI is a one-stop-shop medical imaging facility dedicated to drug development and imaging-based clinical research and open to all researchers who will benefit from imaging in their product development.
“It will assist in taking bio-innovations further down the value chain from radiolabelling to preclinical testing. It will also contribute to good manufacturing practices and clinical trials,” he explained.
In addition, the NuMeRI’s capabilities will contribute to the precision medicine approach and targeted personalised therapies being developed in South Africa.
Governance
To ensure efficient governance and management, the two partners, the University of Pretoria and Steve Biko Academic Hospital, agreed to the establishment of a NuMeRI not-for-profit company (NPC).
The University of Pretoria and South African Nuclear Energy Corporation (Necsa) are founding members of the NPC and draw on the knowledge of officials of the DSI, who are actively involved in the implementation of the NuMeRI.
The first phase of NuMeRI, established and hosted at Necsa for three years was made possible by an investment of close to R150 million between 2016 and 2019. The second phase of implementation at Steve Biko Academic Hospital started in the 2020/21 financial year with an investment of approximately R390 million since 2020 by the DSI.
Meanwhile, the University of Pretoria also received an additional R85 million for the NuMeRI building.
Human resource
According to the Nzimande, it is anticipated that this infrastructure will triple the current clinical PhDs and increase six-fold basic science PhDs.
To date, 20 Masters and 15 PhD students have completed their studies with a further 17 Master’s degrees and 22 PhD students finishing their studies.
Meanwhile, the NuMeRI’s research activities advance the objectives and priorities of the National Department of Health, strengthening the nuclear medicine capacity in South Africa and beyond its borders in Africa.
It also enhances South African research in medicinal chemistry, expediting the development of drugs to address national priority diseases such as cancer and tuberculosis, enabling new pharmaceuticals to reach the market sooner, and giving South African pharmaceutical development a competitive edge with global equivalents.
The research will be mainly in oncology and will cover other communicable and non-communicable diseases.
“The opening of this facility represents yet another important milestone in the development of scientific infrastructure for our country and this is embodied in the fact that the NuMeRI is the first of its kind on the African continent.” – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Tue, 05/21/2024 - 15:51
The vast and exciting KZN South Coast hinterland is just waiting to be explored, and South Coast Tourism & Investment Enterprise (SCTIE) is making it more accessible with the establishment of a new rural tourism route. In May, the Emalangeni Experience was officially launched, extending the region’s rural tourism footprint and unique experiences. “Emalangeni is …
Celebrate World Ocean Day (8 June) this year with clean-ups, water sports, live music, entertainment and so much more at Scottburgh’s Ocean Festival running from 6 to 9 June. Embracing this year’s World Ocean Day theme Catalyzing Action for Our Ocean & Climate, the event invites participants to celebrate the ocean while playing their part …
As the June winter holidays rapidly approach and plans for the winter school break are being finalised, visiting a museum might not be at the top of everyone’s list as part of their holiday activities, especially for those with children. However, International Museum Day, which was celebrated on 18th May, reminds us of museums’ invaluable …