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Professor Brian Ganson is Head of the Centre on Conflict & Collaboration at Stellenbosch Business School, a hub for research and reflection on the private sector, conflict, and human security. We already know that whatever new governments emerge at local, provincial, and national levels due to voting on 29 May, they will face overwhelming challenges …
Mashatile meets with Rand Water leadership to address water challenges
Deputy President Paul Mashatile has stressed the significance of strategic engagement and collaboration in light of the water shortages affecting many municipalities, including those in Gauteng.
The Deputy President was addressing the leadership of Rand Water in his role as the Chairperson of the Water Task Team.
President Cyril Ramaphosa established a Water Task Team under the leadership of the Deputy President to address water challenges in various areas in the country.
Rand Water, according to the Presidency, is the largest bulk water utility in Africa and one of the largest in the world, providing bulk potable water to more than 11 million people in Gauteng, parts of Mpumalanga, Free State and the North West.
“In our efforts to avert a water crisis in Gauteng province and other municipalities around the nation, we must have strategic engagements and collaboration with the Rand Water leadership to urgently find solutions to this pressing issue,” said the Deputy President on Wednesday.
During the engagement, the country’s second-in-command also received an update on Rand Water’s efforts aimed at ensuring the efficient provision of water to Gauteng residents.
With a global reputation for providing high-quality water, its customer base includes metropolitan municipalities, local municipalities, mines and large industries in the province and surrounding areas.
The Deputy President commended efforts by Rand Water to ensure that millions of people have access to water constantly, as this has a significant impact on the wellbeing of the society as it relates to socio-economic factors such as health, food security and general welfare.
As part of his engagement, the Deputy President also visited the Rand Water Zuikerbosch Plant in Vereeniging.
The water purification plant at Zuikerbosch Station 5A was built to ensure a sustainable water supply and meet the current and future water demands.
The water purification plant, according to his Office, is part of the water utility’s capital expenditure projects and seeks to bring more capacity to the water utility system to ensure water security.
“I am eager to collaborate closely with the Rand Water leadership to identify a preventative measure against the impending water scarcity crisis.
“It is widely recognised that water is essential for sustaining life, and ensuring access to an adequate amount of water is a basic duty outlined in the Constitution, which states that ‘Everyone has the right to have access to sufficient food and water’,” said the Deputy President.
The Deputy President was supported by Police Minister Bheki Cele, Water and Sanitation Deputy Minister David Mahlobo and Cooperative Governance Deputy Minister Parks Tau. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Wed, 05/08/2024 - 15:17
In South Africa, private prepaid meters have become a popular choice for managing electricity consumption in residential and commercial properties. These meters allow property owners, landlords, and body corporates to accurately monitor and control electricity usage while providing tenants with a convenient and transparent payment system. One such example is Straton Prepaid, a leading provider …
In today’s rapidly evolving healthcare landscape, efficient management of medical practices is crucial for providing quality patient care while ensuring smooth administrative operations. The advent of technology has revolutionised the healthcare industry, offering innovative solutions to streamline various processes. Among these technological advancements, medical billing software, practice management software, EMR (Electronic Medical Records) software, and …
The importance of security in South Africa cannot be overstated. Businesses, high-profile individuals, and sensitive facilities increasingly require robust measures to ensure the safety of their assets and personnel. This blog explores a variety of high-security solutions, including bulletproof windows and doors, strong room doors, and anti-bandit doors, offering a comprehensive understanding of how these …
The automotive supplier MAHLE has reversed its business trend. Despite difficult global conditions and rising costs, the company closed the 2023 financial year with record sales and is back in the black. Sales increased organically – adjusted for exchange rate effects – by 8.2 percent to €12.8 billion. Operating profit (EBIT) rose from €60 million …
Hooligan Development, a leading South African software development company specializing in innovative digital solutions, today announced that it has been included in Techreviewer’s list of top iOS app developers for 2024. This prestigious recognition highlights Hooligan Development’s commitment to delivering exceptional user experiences and cutting-edge technology within the iOS ecosystem. Techreviewer.co is a trusted online …
Cape Town, South Africa – In a strategic move that marks a significant milestone in the digital marketing landscape, Ruby Digital, South Africa’s premier digital marketing agency, has announced its acquisition of web development house, WeDev.Africa. This acquisition reaffirms the Ruby Digital Group’s commitment to digital innovation and its AI transformation. Founded in 2011 by …
As industries grow and logistics become more complex, the demand for efficient material handling solutions like forklifts has significantly increased. The rental market for forklifts is expanding, with more businesses opting for hire solutions to meet their temporary and long-term needs. Innovations in Forklift Technology The move towards electric forklifts highlights the shift towards sustainability …
Cushman & Wakefield | BROLL says operators seek sites to the north and east of Johannesburg, in well-located nodes with power supply, while in the smaller Cape Town market data centres are expanding, and there’s growing interest in Nigeria and Kenya. The surge in AI technology deployment and demand for more efficient cloud storage drives …
Prize program awards Aftrak the $1 million Grand Prize to advance green energy in Africa; OMNIVAT awarded runner-up prize of $250,000; The organisations also launch a new FinTech Award in the next installation of the Prize program; winners will be selected in May 2025.
The Milken Institute (https://apo-opa.co/44yU0nF) and the Motsepe Foundation today announced the winners of the Milken-Motsepe Prize in Green Energy, a $2 million innovation competition to reward entrepreneurs working to expand access to reliable, affordable, and sustainable off-grid electricity in Africa. The winners were announced at the Milken Institute Global Conference in Los Angeles.
Aftrak (https://apo-opa.co/4bKg4OT), an initiative based out of the UK and Malawi, was awarded the $1 million Grand Prize for its easily assembled solar microgrid and custom-designed tractors, which have tripled agricultural yield, increased farmer incomes, and provided electricity to remote communities. The runner-up award of $250,000 was presented to South Africa-based OMNIVAT (www.OMNIVAT.Tech) for its containerized electricity generation and storage system, which provides clean water, clean energy, and Wi-Fi enriched by virtual reality support for remote communities.
The Milken-Motsepe Prize in Green Energy is the second in the Milken–Motsepe Innovation Prize Program, a series of multiyear, multimillion-dollar global innovation competitions and awards aimed at advancing technological progress toward the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The first competition in this program, the Milken–Motsepe Prize in AgriTech, was launched in 2021, and focused on addressing the goals of no poverty and achieving zero hunger.
Rigorous Judging Process
After launching in November 2022, hundreds of entrepreneurs from 79 countries on six continents registered to compete for the Milken-Motsepe Prize in Green Energy, and 160 of those submitted technological design and business models. In June 2023, an independent panel of expert judges carefully selected 20 semi-finalists to receive $20,000 to develop and test their innovations.
Each of the teams underwent a rigorous, independent judging process, which assessed their innovation's potential to deliver 60 kilowatt hours of off-grid electricity in a 24-hour period using only sustainable sources. Five teams were then chosen to advance to the Finalist Round. Each team received an additional $70,000 and showcased their innovations in a live demonstration in partnership with Stellenbosch University in South Africa.
“Meeting the teams and witnessing their work and determination to solve one of the biggest challenges facing Africa was truly inspiring,” said Dr. Precious Moloi-Motsepe, co-founder and CEO of the Motsepe Foundation. “We congratulate the Green Energy winners and all the finalists. Your innovations show such promise, and we will be watching with pride as you bring your technologies to market.”
The third Milken-Motsepe Prize, focused on FinTech, launched at the 2024 Milken Institute Global Conference. The prize will award companies that demonstrate the use of cutting-edge technologies to expand access to capital and financial services for small businesses in emerging and frontier markets.
The Milken-Motsepe Prize in FinTech offers $2 million in prizes, with a $1 million Grand Prize for the winning company. Registration is open until August 6.
The transformative potential of FinTech lies in its capacity to empower individuals to start and grow a business, even in the most remote communities. By lowering transaction costs, streamlining processes, and expanding access to capital and financial services, FinTech can enable aspiring entrepreneurs to turn their ideas into reality. The Milken-Motsepe Prize in FinTech is designed to leverage the potential of FinTech solutions to break down barriers to financial inclusion and contribute to the achievement of key SDGs, including alleviating poverty (SDG 1), promoting human well-being (SDGs 3 and 4), achieving gender equality (SDG 5), and fostering viable economic opportunities for young people (SDGs 8 and 9).
Milken-Motsepe Innovation Prize Impact
“The impact of Milken-Motsepe Innovation Prizes goes well beyond the financial awards,” said Dr. Emily Musil Church, senior director, environmental and social innovation at the Milken Institute. “This is a global community of entrepreneurs who believe in imagining and building a better, more abundant, and sustainable world. Our role is to identify and support these bold entrepreneurs and to help accelerate their success.”
The Milken-Motsepe Innovation Prize Program is a program of MI Philanthropy (https://apo-opa.co/3JSwhFM), which aims to influence the deployment of philanthropic capital to create a better world. MI Philanthropy's work includes the Science Philanthropy Accelerator for Research and Collaboration (SPARC), which has, to date, influenced more than $2 billion in medical research funding.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Milken-Motsepe Innovation Prize Program.
For more information about the winners and the Milken-Motsepe Innovation Prize Program, visit https://MilkenMotsepePrize.org/.
Notes to Editors:
For further information or to request interviews with the winners, please send requests or queries to the media contact below.
Media Contact:
Ima Peter
+27 11 268 6388
ima.peter@razorpr.co.za
About the Milken Institute:
The Milken Institute is a non-profit, nonpartisan think tank focused on accelerating measurable progress on the path to a meaningful life. With a focus on financial, physical, mental, and environmental health, we bring together the best ideas and innovative resourcing to develop blueprints for tackling some of our most critical global issues through the lens of what's pressing now and what's coming next. For more information, visit https://MilkenInstitute.org.
About the Motsepe Foundation:
The Motsepe Foundation was founded in 1999 by Dr. Patrice Motsepe and his wife, Dr. Precious Moloi-Motsepe. The goal of the Motsepe Foundation is to contribute towards eradicating poverty and to sustainably improve the living conditions and standards of living of poor, unemployed and marginalised people in South Africa, Africa, and the world. In January 2013, Dr. Patrice Motsepe and Dr. Precious Moloi-Motsepe joined the Giving Pledge, which was started by Warren Buffet and Bill and Melinda Gates. Dr. Patrice Motsepe and his wife committed to give half of their wealth to the poor and for philanthropic purposes during their lifetime and beyond.
KnowBe4 (www.knowbe4.com), the provider of the world's largest security awareness training and simulated phishing platform, has just released its highly anticipated 2024 Security Culture Report (https://apo-opa.co/3Wr5p7a) for Africa, providing a detailed analysis of the intricate relationship between security practices and employee behaviours within organisations. Drawing insights from surveys conducted across thousands of organisations worldwide, the full report (https://apo-opa.co/3Wx9hng) offers a comprehensive five-year comparative view, highlighting significant trends shaping the cybersecurity landscape.
“In its section on Africa, the report reveals that organisations evaluated across 20 African countries exhibit an average security culture score of 72, consistent with the previous year,” says Anna Collard, SVP of Content Strategy & Evangelist for KnowBe4 Africa. “This shows a moderate level of readiness in security culture.”
There are noteworthy variations among sectors and countries, emphasising the necessity for targeted interventions to enhance cybersecurity resilience. “The banking sector in Kenya is a standout performer, boasting an impressive average score of 83, attributed to its steadfast commitment to maintaining mature security cultures supported by robust security operations,” explains Collard. “However, industries such as public services, construction, education, and hospitality show lower security culture scores. This shows the importance of developing specific approaches to enhance cybersecurity awareness and practices in these sectors.”
Africa, with its diverse cultural fabric and youthful population projected to dominate the global workforce by 2100, faces escalating cyber risks amidst rapid technological advancements. Challenges, including limited resources, inadequate cyber awareness, and economic constraints, marked the continent's cybersecurity landscape in 2023. “This shows the need to strengthen cybersecurity readiness given the critical development requirements.”
Kenya (76), Nigeria (75), and Ghana (74) lead the charge in cybersecurity readiness, showcasing robust strategies backed by local governments. Ghana's significant progress in cybersecurity, evidenced by its climb in the Global Cybersecurity Index, reflects the region's commitment to cybersecurity excellence.
“With a security culture score of 72, it's important to address the findings from a separate survey (https://apo-opa.co/44upwDi) on generative AI (GenAI) adoption by organisations in South Africa,” adds Collard. “That survey identified regulatory gaps and a lack of training in countering AI-generated misinformation, highlighting the need for regulations, training programmes, and partnerships to tackle cyber threats such as deepfakes, especially during the upcoming crucial governmental elections.”
The South African Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) expects an increase in cyber attacks targeting important infrastructure and government bodies in the coming weeks until South Africans go to the polls. “This highlights the urgent need for stronger cybersecurity measures to protect both public and private sectors, communities, and national economies,” says Collard. “As organisations adapt to the changing cybersecurity environment, promoting a culture of awareness, education, and proactive risk management will be vital in enhancing cyber resilience throughout Africa.”
The security culture score is a global measure used to evaluate organisations based on their approach to security, explains Javvad Malik, Lead Security Awareness Advocate at KnowBe4. “This score reflects how much importance different entities worldwide place on cybersecurity within their organisational culture. In today's interconnected world, where a mobile device in a remote area can access sensitive accounts, working in isolation on security is no longer effective,” adds Malik. “Collaboration between governments and regulators is essential not just for creating laws but also for demonstrating practical ways to strengthen security culture. Organisations need to prioritise the human element of cybersecurity by focusing on continuous awareness and training efforts rather than relying solely on technological solutions,” Malik concludes.
For the full security culture report covering Africa, click here (https://apo-opa.co/3Wr5p7a). For the comprehensive report covering Africa and five other global regions (North America, South America, Europe, Asia, and Oceania), click here (https://apo-opa.co/3Wx9hng).
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of KnowBe4.
Wendy houses have evolved from simple playhouses to versatile structures used for storage, workshops, and even as additional living spaces. In Johannesburg, the trend of custom-designed Wendy houses is on the rise, providing residents with tailored solutions that fit their specific needs. Discover how these structures can maximize your space and enhance your property by …
In Pretoria, Wendy houses are not just gaining popularity as backyard storage or play areas; they are becoming a stylish and practical part of home living. The demand for luxury Wendy houses with advanced features like insulation, plumbing, and customised interiors is increasing. Check out the latest designs by visiting Wendy houses for sale near …
The automotive repair industry is witnessing rapid advancements, particularly in the areas of gearbox repairs and air conditioning systems. As vehicles become more sophisticated, the need for equally advanced maintenance solutions grows. Advancements in Gearbox Repairs Modern gearbox repair techniques have evolved significantly, with precision diagnostics tools and computer-aided systems leading the way. These tools …
The world of event seating and casual furniture is seeing transformative changes with innovations in plastic chair designs. From elegant options for weddings to sturdy choices for outdoor gatherings, the variety and quality of chairs available today are unprecedented. Trends in Plastic Chair Design Plastic chairs have undergone significant evolution, shifting from merely functional to …
Private contractor is selling water out of trucks
Between April 20-27, the Africa's Business Heroes (ABH) Prize Competition (www.AfricaBusinessHeroes.org), a philanthropic initiative sponsored by the Jack Ma Foundation and Alibaba Philanthropy, hosted 40 participants—consisting of top 10 Heroes, other finalists and partners from across Africa—in Hangzhou, China. Participants engaged in an immersive experience at Alibaba's headquarters in Hangzhou and have returned to their home countries enriched with valuable insights to further enhance their entrepreneurial endeavors on the continent.
During their visit, the ABH Heroes (spanning cohorts from 2019 to 2023) participated in a wide range of activities. These included deep dives that explored various facets of the digital economy from cloud computing, AI-driven logistics to e-commerce villages. They participated in a series of workshops and site visits—all designed to elevate entrepreneurs to a higher level of success. The Heroes also exchanged knowledge and explored opportunities for collaboration with business leaders from Alibaba and with each other. These activities provided the participants with new knowledge and perspectives that they can potentially apply to overcome challenges, seize opportunities and scale their businesses.
Diarra BOUSSO, Founder & Creative Director of Diarrablu and ABH 2020 top 10 Hero, who was among the participants in the trip to China, expresses her gratitude for the experience, stating: “This trip was so inspiring in so many ways. First, meeting all these entrepreneurs who are the top entrepreneurs on the African continent and spending a week together was an incredible experience. And second: being immersed in the world of Alibaba and all the companies Jack Ma and his team built over time and understanding the vision behind it was like a dream come true.”
In another exciting development, ABH is extending its deadline for 2024 entries from May 19 to June 9 to accommodate more entrepreneurs eager to participate in the competition. Candidates selected for the top 50 will gain access to a host of resources, including training, mentorship and networking opportunities, as well as a supportive network of fellow African business leaders. US$1.5 million in grant funding will be distributed among the top 10 finalists; the first prize winner will receive an award of US$300,000.
This year, ABH has also hosted information sessions and community events across the continent to facilitate the application process and nurture a vibrant entrepreneurial community. These events have taken place in South Africa, Kenya, Zambia, Cameroon, Ghana, Nigeria and Côte d'Ivoire, with upcoming sessions scheduled for Egypt, Ethiopia, Rwanda and Senegal. These events are conducted in partnership with local entrepreneur organizations and key ABH stakeholders including judges, Heroes and partners.
To date, ABH has received applications from entrepreneurs spanning all 54 African countries. Entrepreneurs from across the continent – regardless of sector, age or gender – are invited to participate. Applications can be submitted in English or French at: https://AfricaBusinessHeroes.org/en/apply-now.
Individuals are also encouraged to nominate eligible entrepreneurs who they believe are creating impactful and sustainable solutions to challenging issues here: https://AfricaBusinessHeroes.org/en/nominate
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH).
Press Contact:
Africa's Business Heroes Press Room:
abh.press@list.alibaba-inc.com
For media inquiries or interview requests, please contact:
English:
Tracy Walakira
tracy.walakira@apo-opa.com
French / Arabic:
Malika Bouayad
malika.bouayad@apo-opa.com
Follow ABH on:
X (https://apo-opa.info/3KY3OQs)
LinkedIn (https://apo-opa.info/3L1Cgda)
Instagram (https://apo-opa.info/3KZTXKa)
Facebook (https://apo-opa.info/3ylgNE9) and
YouTube (https://apo-opa.info/3YDG5bH)
For more information about ABH 2024, please visit https://AfricaBusinessHeroes.org/en/.
About Africa's Business Heroes:
The Africa's Business Heroes Prize Competition is a philanthropic initiative sponsored by the Jack Ma Foundation and Alibaba Philanthropy. It aims to support, inspire and enable the next generation of African entrepreneurs across all sectors who are building a brighter future for the continent, by offering grant funding, training programs and support for the development of an entrepreneurial ecosystem. Over 10 years, each year the ABH Prize Competition features 10 entrepreneur finalists as they pitch their business to win a share of US$1.5 million in grant money.
Administrator addresses alleged outstanding payments for private student accommodation
National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) Administrator, Freeman Nomvalo, has assigned staff to urgently address concerns around the outstanding payments for private student accommodation.
This follows complaints brought to the Administrator’s attention regarding alleged outstanding payments for private student accommodation and reports of students being locked out by landlords in some areas.
“We anticipate that these should be resolved during the course of the month of May 2024,” Nomvalo said.
To ensure that the issues do not further disrupt teaching and learning, the Administrator has urged the affected landlords to cooperate with the established NSFAS process to address all concerns.
Nomvalo said a dedicated email address has been established to process all disputes or concerns from landlords. All disputes and concerns regarding alleged outstanding payments for private student accommodation must be submitted to NSFASAccomProv@nsfas.org.za.
“All landlords are encouraged to deposit their disputes or concerns only in so far as outstanding payments are concerned. Submissions must be received not later than 10 May 2024,” Nomvalo said.
The Administrator apologised to all affected institutions, including students and landlords, and committed to a speedy resolution.
“We are committed to working with all the stakeholders to find workable solutions for the betterment of the post school education and training system,” Nomvalo said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Mon, 05/06/2024 - 10:03
The Growing Market for Used Engines In recent years, the market for used and second-hand car engines has seen significant growth. With the rise in vehicle prices and the push for more sustainable practices, more consumers and businesses are turning towards second-hand engines as a cost-effective and environmentally friendly solution. Why Choose Used Engines? Used …
In the dynamic realm of IT, Managed Service Providers (MSPs) represent a crucial component in the infrastructure of businesses ranging from small enterprises to large corporations. An MSP assumes the responsibility of managing and maintaining company IT systems, offering services that allow businesses to operate more efficiently without the burden of handling all IT issues …
In the digital age, cloud computing has become pivotal in reshaping how businesses operate, offering them a plethora of benefits that drive efficiency, innovation, and scalability. South Africa, in particular, has embraced this technology, with local cloud service providers playing a crucial role in facilitating this transformation. The Transformational Benefits of Cloud Computing Cost Efficiency: …
Amazon Web Services (AWS) is a leading cloud platform globally, and in South Africa, AWS partners play a crucial role in enabling businesses to leverage cloud solutions effectively. These partners, integral to the AWS ecosystem, offer specialized services that help organizations integrate AWS technologies seamlessly into their operations. The Strategic Importance of AWS Partners Expertise …
Innovative open-source platform MyCandidate South Africa ( #MyCandidateSA), spearheaded by Open Cities Lab (OCL), is reshaping voter engagement in South Africa’s upcoming 2024 elections. By leveraging technology to provide accessible and transparent information, #MyCandidateSA empowers voters with the knowledge they need to make informed choices at the polls. During the 2021 Local Government Elections, #MyCandidateSA …