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Introduction In today’s fast-paced financial landscape, efficient cash handling is crucial for businesses and institutions of all sizes. Whether you run a retail store, a bank, or any other organization that deals with cash transactions, the accuracy and security of your cash management can significantly impact your bottom line. This is where cash handling equipment steps in …
CAPE TOWN, 30 January 2024: Africa’s Green Economy Summit, taking place from 21-23 February 2024 in Cape Town, not only features the continent’s major sustainability thought leaders, but also provides a springboard for companies operating in the green sector to sell themselves to investors. The event brings together key African stakeholders – including investors, project …
It’s time for Africa!
By Saadia Moola
The official launch of South Africa’s first shipment and preferential trading under the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) on 31 January 2024, at the Port of Durban goes beyond a feather in the cap for trade and economic growth. It signals the unyielding African spirit which has prevailed against the injustices that plagued our continent, including colonialism and apartheid.
Our liberation from these wrongs took the strength of all African nations and together we proved that we could overcome insurmountable obstacles to create a brighter future for the continent.
Despite the devastation over centuries, we have redefined Africa as a continental force and transformed our nation states to be independent. We have preserved our unique African heritage and identities, and capitalised on our strengths as we develop our nations.
The African Union (AU) serves as the mantra for the development of African nations. Formerly known as the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), the unified vision for a better future for all Africans began on 25 May 1963, when leaders of African countries joined forces to form the OAU, to advance democracy and African development.
Founded on the principles of freedom, equality, justice, and dignity, it strived to end the legacy of suffering, political instability and injustice for all Africans.
“We all want a united Africa, united not only in our concept of what unity connotes, but united in our common desire to move forward together in dealing with all the problems that can best be solved only on a continental basis”. These were the sentiments of Kwame Nkrumah, first prime minister of Ghana and Pan African Leader who contributed to the formation of the OAU.
To prioritise the acceleration of African economic growth through increased cooperation and integration of African states, the OAU was relaunched as the African Union (AU) during 2002.
Since its formation, the AU has sought to protect the independence of African states and ensure their development, playing a critical role in steering the continent through the unprecedented challenge of COVID-19.
While we have much to celebrate as a continent, we remain cognisant that much still needs to be done to better Africa. This includes finding amicable solutions to conflicts that continue to plague certain parts of the continent.
Commitment to political dialogue with a view to sustainable peace and stability is a critical lever in solving the challenges in Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Libya, Mali and the Sahel, Somalia, Sudan and Western Sahara.
Together we can harness our collective energies and resources ensure to take our continent closer to the ultimate vision of being free of poverty and conflict. The AU’s flagship project of Agenda 2063, is a roadmap to our development over the next 50 years. This project prioritises African goals, including; equality, intra-regional trade, infrastructure and technology development.
The African Continental Free Trade Area is in line with Agenda 2063, which is aimed at deepening African economic integration.
Strong partnerships among African nations for inclusive socio-economic development is key to advancing the African Agenda. The African Continental Free Trade Area (AFCFTA) also presents opportunities for massive financial growth in Africa.
The AFCFTA is the world’s largest trade area which holds the potential to boost intra-African trade by over 50 percent and inject approximately $450 billion worth of investments into the African economy to help uplift 50 to 100 million people out of poverty by 2035.
By harnessing the strengths of all 55 nations on the continent, we will recover, become stronger and ensure African nations take their rightful place in the world. According to the African Development Bank, Africa’s economies remain resilient and Africa’s GDP is expected to stabilise in 2023-2024.
South Africa remains committed to Africa’s advancement and as the most industrialised economy on the continent we are actively working to facilitating intra-Africa trade through exports, enhancing skills development, foreign direct investment and international cooperation.
A thriving African economy requires developed infrastructure to facilitate trade globally. South Africa is working to improve its rail and port efficiencies to drive economic growth and enable further economic opportunities across the continent.
We are also closely working with international organisations to grow investment, industrialisation and innovation across Africa. Our future is intrinsically linked to the continent, and we are aware that Africa’s growth will spur-on our own growth and bolster us to address the triple challenge of poverty, inequality and unemployment.
Let us all come together and play an active role in advancing Africa. Let us go beyond the dedicated Africa Month (May) to claiming the 21st century as the era for Africa’s revival and renewal!
Saadia Moola is a Director at the Government Communication and Information System
Neo
Mon, 02/12/2024 - 10:14
Up to 100 students to receive mentorship from industry experts representing established news agencies and news publications, as well as Canon Ambassadors (www.Canon-CNA.com); A shortlist of 25 students will be invited to take part in a four-day workshop in Girona, including a visit to Visa pour l'Image, where they can form new connections with professionals and peers; Applications are being accepted between 12th February and 7th March to students across Europe, Middle East and Africai.
Canon Europe announces the call for entries for the eighth edition of the Canon Student Development Programme (CSDP), a prestigious annual programme designed to help aspiring photojournalists advance their careers. The industry-leading initiative offers access and exposure to experienced professionals from the photographic community and the opportunity to attend key industry events.
CSDP has established itself as an invaluable springboard to the next generation of photojournalists. Former alumni have gone on to work for reputable news agencies and internationally renowned publications and continued to build successful careers. 2022 alumni Mohamed Mahdy (b. 1996), whose work focusses on the hidden and often unseen communities in Egypt, has won a main prize at the 2023 World Press Photo awards in the Open Format category. Fellow alumni Alexandra Corcode (b. 2000) has been selected for the 2023 Tom Stoddard Award for Excellence with her intimate portrayal of loneliness and abandonment amongst the elderly generation in her home country of Romania. Finalists of the 2023 programme, Ebrahim Alipoor and Fatma Fahmy, have both been selected for the 2024 VII Mentor program, run by VII Academy.
The 2024 edition is open to students and internsi residing and studying in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, with applications running from February 12th until March 7th. A limited number of spaces will also be available to talent endorsed by industry professionals. Submissions will be judged by a panel of editors from Getty Images, Reuters Pictures, AFP and EPA who will decide on the initial cohort of the region's most promising young storytellers.
One-to-one mentorships
The selected students will be partnered up with one of the programme's expert mentors, with the aim to discuss their current work and longer-term career aspirations in dedicated one-to-one sessions. Virtual reviews throughout summer will help refine their new project proposal and current portfolio – with a particular focus on exploring different editing options and ways to further strengthen narrative skills and develop authorial signatures.
Canon Ambassador and photojournalist, Brent Stirton said, “This is a unique programme to meet and spend time with curators, editors and photographers – a real investment into the future of photography. Stats show that only a fraction of those who study photography survive in the profession long term, and I know that it will make a profound difference for those selected. Growing up in South Africa, there was no way that I could've accessed some of the best editors and photographers in the world when I was starting out, much less borrowing some of the best gear out there.”
Girona workshop and Visa pour l'Image in Perpignan, France
In September, up to 25 students will be invited to a four-day Canon workshop in a grand Catalan farmhouse in Girona, Spain, concluding with a final night's stay at the Visa pour l'Image international photojournalism festival in Perpignan, France.
The workshop will offer an intimate forum to exchange ideas and build relationships with renowned professionals from the world of photography. Group portfolio reviews offer a rich learning opportunity for students and a chance to both critique the work of their fellow peers, as well as receive professional feedback on their own.
Aside from taking in the key exhibitions and evening screenings during Visa pour l'Image, students will also have the opportunity to participate in additional portfolio reviews and further expand their network.
To apply to be a part of the 2024 Canon Student Development Programme or view the entry criteria, please visit: https://apo-opa.co/3UFOaxZ
Footnotes:
[i] For full terms and conditions, please go to this page: https://apo-opa.co/3SxqRUx
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA).
Media enquiries, please contact:
Canon Central and North Africa
Mai Youssef
e. Mai.youssef@canon-me.com
APO Group - PR Agency
Rania ElRafie
e. Rania.ElRafie@apo-opa.com
About Canon Central and North Africa:
Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA) (Canon-CNA.com) is a division within Canon Middle East FZ LLC (CME), a subsidiary of Canon Europe. The formation of CCNA in 2016 was a strategic step that aimed to enhance Canon's business within the Africa region - by strengthening Canon's in-country presence and focus. CCNA also demonstrates Canon's commitment to operating closer to its customers and meeting their demands in the rapidly evolving African market.
Canon has been represented in the African continent for more than 15 years through distributors and partners that have successfully built a solid customer base in the region. CCNA ensures the provision of high quality, technologically advanced products that meet the requirements of Africa's rapidly evolving marketplace. With over 100 employees, CCNA manages sales and marketing activities across 44 countries in Africa.
Canon's corporate philosophy is Kyosei (https://apo-opa.co/3SvVhrS) – ‘living and working together for the common good'. CCNA pursues sustainable business growth, focusing on reducing its own environmental impact and supporting customers to reduce theirs using Canon's products, solutions and services. At Canon, we are pioneers, constantly redefining the world of imaging for the greater good. Through our technology and our spirit of innovation, we push the bounds of what is possible – helping us to see our world in ways we never have before. We help bring creativity to life, one image at a time. Because when we can see our world, we can transform it for the better.
For more information: www.Canon-CNA.com
In today’s fast-paced digital world, businesses of all sizes are constantly seeking ways to enhance efficiency, reduce paper usage, and simplify workflow processes. Two key tools that have revolutionised the way businesses manage documents and approvals are Document Management Systems (DMS) and Electronic Signatures. In this blog, we will explore the significance of these technologies, …
In the realm of payment technology, there’s a growing trend of companies offering innovative solutions that simplify and secure the way transactions are conducted. A key development in this sector is the introduction of contactless card payment technology that can be integrated directly into mobile phones. This approach allows merchants to accept payments without the …
Lighting is a vital element that transforms spaces, creating ambiance and enhancing functionality in both indoor and outdoor environments. From the cozy corners of a living room to the broad expanse of a garden, the right lighting not only illuminates but also elevates the aesthetic of any area. This comprehensive guide delves into the world …
In today’s fast-paced world, the need for reliable power solutions is more crucial than ever. Whether it’s for home, outdoor, or emergency use, understanding the different types of power equipment available is key to choosing the right product for your needs. Starting with Lithium-Ion Batteries, these are essential for high-efficiency, long-lasting power storage. They’re perfect …
Introduction: The realm of home audio and smart home technology is vast and vibrant. In this exploration, we’ll take a look at 35 remarkable brands that stand out in the world of high-quality audio and innovative home automation solutions. 1.Araknis: Dive into sophisticated networking solutions designed for peak performance and robustness in smart homes. 2.Binary: …
In an era of rapid technological change, software development companies are not just participants but pioneers, shaping the digital landscape. They blend cutting-edge technology training and development with the implementation of sophisticated cloud-based solutions, playing a vital role in digital transformation across industries. These companies offer a wide range of services, from cloud computing and data intelligence …
ChommY set to change young lives in Manenberg
Excitement filled Silverstream Primary School in Manenberg as 100 boys and girls between the ages of 10 and 14 prepared themselves for the launch of the social and behavioural change (SBC) programme, ChommY.
Social Development Deputy Minister, Dr Hendrietta Bogopane-Zulu, in partnership with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), launched ChommY at Silverstream Primary School in Manenberg in the Western Cape on Saturday.
ChommY is a social and behavioural change programme for boys and girls between the ages of 10 and 14 years.
Manenberg is a community on the Cape Flats that has been plagued by gang-related violent crimes and drug abuse.
ChommY, a colloquial term for “friend”, seeks to build positive friendships among children, and encourages young boys and girls to motivate one another to minimise risky behaviour and social ills, including bullying.
Themed 'Invest in my Future… Protect me Today', ChommY aims to generate knowledge, develop skills and empower young people to make informed choices and contribute to reducing the high prevalence of HIV infection, substance abuse and prevention of teenage pregnancy.
Exploring social ills that affect Manenberg children during the dialogue, 13-year-old Zainab Williams* recalled a chilling incident where she witnessed a woman being fatally wounded during a drive-by shooting.
“I saw this lady die in front of me. I went home afterwards as if nothing happened. I wish the violence could stop," Williams said.
When asked if they had lost anyone they knew due to violence in the area, more than half the children raised their hands, with most saying they have lost an uncle, close friend, mother or grandfather.
Bogopane-Zulu said she felt it was important to visit Manenberg to try to find solutions for the struggles that the children are exposed to.
“We brought this programme here so you can have a day to be children and to remind you that your dreams are valid. Do not let your circumstances define your future,” Bogopane-Zulu said.
Founder of Mothers4Justice, Vanessa Andriaase, thanked the Deputy Minister for revisiting Manenberg.
“We really feel our community is forgotten and such programmes do not reach our children. Programmes such as ChommY have the potential to change the narrative for the boys and girls sitting in this hall," Andriaase said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Sun, 02/11/2024 - 09:22
Deputy Minister Bogopane-Zulu to launch ChommY in Manenberg
Following the State of the Nation Address on Thursday, Social Development Deputy Minister, Dr Hendrietta Bogopane-Zulu, in partnership with USAID, will on Saturday launch ChommY at the Silverstream Primary School in Manenberg, in the Western Cape.
ChommY is a social and behavioural change programme for boys and girls between the ages of 10 and 14 years.
Manenberg is largely a coloured community on the Cape Flats that has been characterised as an area plagued by gang-related violent crimes and drug abuse.
ChommY, a colloquial term for “friend”, seeks to build a positive friendship among children and encourages young boys and girls to motivate one another to minimise risky behaviour and social ills, including, bullying.
“The programme gives children the opportunity to develop a personal plan for their lives and emphasises the importance of support from parents and communities to enable young people to make informed decisions. The programme forms part of a basket of social and behavioural change programmes offered by the Department of Social Development,” the department said in a statement.
Observed under the theme: “Invest in my Future…Protect me Today”, ChommY aims to generate knowledge, develop skills, and empower young people to make informed choices and contribute on reducing high prevalence of HIV infections, substance abuse and prevention of teenage pregnancy.
Bogopane-Zulu will facilitate dialogues with the children as they share their social experiences and solutions.
Bokamoso - the programme’s mascot - will interact with the children as they participate in indigenous games. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Fri, 02/09/2024 - 10:25
The Earthshot Prize will travel to Cape Town, South Africa this November for Earthshot Week 2024, featuring The Prize's annual Awards Ceremony. Across five days of landmark events, The Earthshot Prize will celebrate the groundbreaking work of fifteen global environmental solutions and convene leading innovators, Earthshot Alumni, partners, investors and philanthropists for inspiring conversations and action on catalysing solutions to protect and restore our planet.
The Earthshot Prize is an ambitious global environmental prize which aims to discover and help scale the world's most innovative climate and environmental solutions to protect and restore our planet. The Prize is centered around five ‘Earthshots'; simple but aspirational goals to ensure our communities, oceans and ecosystems can thrive together in harmony for generations to come.
This year, The Earthshot Prize will bring its annual celebration to South Africa for the first time, following events in London in 2021, Boston in 2022 and Singapore in 2023. Over the coming months, a rigorous selection process will unearth fifteen Finalists from around the world, of whom five will be awarded a £1 million (R23 800 000,00) prize to scale their solutions, during the ceremony in Cape Town.
Hannah Jones, CEO of The Earthshot Prize said: “This is the Earthshot Decade, a decade in which we must, by 2030, reduce CO2 emissions by over 40 percent, and protect 30 percent of nature, oceans, and freshwater. The nominations to The Earthshot Prize remind us that human ingenuity, grit and determination can turn the seemingly impossible into the new normal. We're delighted to be working with changemakers and partners across Africa to spotlight the incredible innovation emerging across the continent, to convene courageous conversations about scale and finance, and to partner with young creators and filmmakers to tell the story of changemakers across Africa.”
Nearly 400 nominees for this year's Prize are Africa-based, highlighting the trailblazing creativity and innovation across the continent with the potential to inspire optimism and provide pathways to transformative change around the world. One of The Prize's inspiring 2023 finalists was Cape Town's ABALOBI, a non-profit partnership between fishers and scientists aimed at protecting small-scale fishing communities while arming their customers with better information about the origin of their seafood.
Despite contributing the least to global warming and having the lowest emissions, Africa is the most vulnerable continent to the impacts of climate change. In 2022 alone, more than 110 million people across Africa were directly affected by weather, climate, and water-related hazards according to the World Meteorological Organization. Yet in the face of these challenges, nearly all African countries have committed to enhancing climate action through reducing their greenhouse gas emissions and building resilience.
Earthshot Week will begin with The Prize's annual Awards Ceremony, an evening of extraordinary storytelling and star-studded performances, celebrating the work of the fifteen Earthshot Prize finalists. The ceremony will be followed by Earthshot+, a day of thought-provoking conversations aimed at multiplying the impact of The Earthshot Prize Winners and Finalists.
During Earthshot Week, Cape Town will also play host to the annual Earthshot Fellowship Retreat which will kickstart the yearlong Earthshot Prize Fellowship Programme. The programme is a key element of the wrap-around support that each cohort of fifteen Finalists receives in addition to the £1 million prize, providing mentorship, resources and technical support, helping to accelerate the growth of each groundbreaking solution. That support includes access to the Prize's robust network of the world's largest businesses, philanthropists, investors and environmental organizations committed to climate action.
The Prize has recently completed its annual nominations process, culminating in nearly 2500 entries submitted from 432 Official Nominators from around the world, doubling the nominations from any previous year. Nearly 400 of the 2024 nominations are headquartered in Africa, three times more than in any previous set of nominations. The fifteen new finalists chosen this year will be emblematic of a growing global movement of innovators, gamechangers and entrepreneurs creating transformative solutions that, if scaled, could accelerate a green, just transition to a net zero world.
The Prize's first three cohorts of 45 Finalists have already driven incredible impact to repair and regenerate our planet with more than 1.5 million people benefiting directly from their solutions. Over 7,000 hectares of land and almost 2.1 million hectares of ocean have been protected or restored, while over 35,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions have been reduced, avoided or sequestered. The Prize's 2023 Finalists, announced this past autumn, are well on their way to creating similar impact.
The Earthshot Prize is proud to partner with MultiChoice Group to bring Earthshot Week to Africa. As a member of The Earthshot Prize Global Alliance of Partners, the MultiChoice Group is part of a global network of non-profit and international organizations committed to the environment and sustainable development. It is one of the fastest-growing entertainment providers globally, delivering entertainment products and services to more than 22m households across 50 countries on the African continent. In partnership with MultiChoice, The Earthshot Prize will provide a platform to African Youth Creators to spotlight and celebrate African solutions and the people behind them.
Imtiaz Patel, MultiChoice Group Chairman, said: “As the leading entertainment company in Africa, we are immensely proud to be the African Broadcast partner for Earthshot Prize at such a monumental time. This marks the first time the prestigious prize comes to our continent.
MultiChoice is well positioned to not only amplify the urgent message of climate change but also to inspire and galvanize innovators, corporate partners, and governments to prioritize sustainable solutions. This partnership signifies our ongoing commitment to fostering a sustainable future for Africa, and we look forward to playing a pivotal role in advancing the goals of The Earthshot Prize.”
The 2024 Earthshot Prize Finalists will be unveiled in September. More details about The Earthshot Prize Awards Ceremony and Earthshot Week in Cape Town will be released in due course.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of MultiChoice Group.
Contact:
For The Earthshot Prize:
earthshotprize@fgsglobal.com
For MultiChoice Group:
Litlhare.moteetee@multichoice.co.za
Follow The Earthshot Prize on:
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About The Earthshot Prize:
Founded by Prince William and incubated in the The Royal Foundation in 2020 for a year before becoming an independent platform/organization, The Earthshot Prize is a global environmental prize and platform designed to discover, accelerate and scale ground-breaking solutions to repair and regenerate the planet. Inspired by President John F. Kennedy's Moonshot, which united millions of people around the goal of reaching the moon, The Earthshot Prize aims to catalyse an Earthshot challenge to urgently encourage and scale innovative solutions that can help put the world firmly on a trajectory towards a stable climate, where communities, oceans and biodiversity thrive in harmony by 2030. The five challenges are: Protect and Restore Nature; Clean Our Air; Revive Our Oceans; Build a Waste-Free World; and Fix Our Climate.
The Prize aims to turn the current pessimism surrounding environmental issues into optimism by championing inspiring leadership and helping to scale incredible cutting-edge solutions. It will discover 50 winners over 10 years with the power to repair the planet. More than an award, The Earthshot Prize works in partnership with a Global Alliance of Partners to support the scaling of the solutions discovered and selected each year.
The Global Alliance Founding Partners are a group of leading global organizations and philanthropists, which act as strategic funding partners to the Prize, including Aga Khan Development Network, Bezos Earth Fund, Bloomberg Philanthropies, Breakthrough Energy Foundation, Coleman Family Ventures, DP World in partnership with Dubai EXPO 2020, Eleven Eleven Foundation, Holch Povlsen Foundation, Jack Ma Foundation, Law Family Charitable Foundation, Legado Para A Juventude, Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth, Marc and Lynne Benioff, Paul G. Allen Family Foundation, Rob Walton Foundation, Sandy and Paul Edgerley, Standard Chartered Bank, Temasek Trust and Wyc Grousbeck and Emilia Fazzalari.
Global Alliance Partners are non-profit environment and sustainable development organizations that bring expertise, global reach and serve as nominating organizations each year. For full list see website: Global Alliance - Earthshot Prize.
Global Alliance Members are some of the world's largest and most influential companies and brands that will support The Earthshot Prize, implement ambitious changes within their businesses and accelerate the advancement of the solutions of Prize Finalists and Winners.
They are: Arup, Bloomberg L.P., Deloitte, Herbert Smith Freehills, Hitachi, Ingka Group (IKEA), Microsoft, The Multichoice Group, Natura &Co, Safaricom, Salesforce, Unilever, Vodacom Group and Walmart. For more information about The Earthshot Prize, visit: www.EarthShotPrize.org.
About MultiChoice Group:
MultiChoice Group (MCG), which listed in the Main Board of the JSE on 27 February 2019, is one of the fastest-growing video entertainment providers globally, delivering entertainment products and services more than 22m households across 50 countries on the African continent. Its track record of more than 30 years is reflective of a commitment to provide audiences with only the best local, sport and international content.
MCG's strong partnerships with distributors, installers and telecommunication companies, along with its well-established payment solutions, competitive pricing and choice of viewership packages continue to secure its place in the global market, while also providing solutions unique to the African market. Its direct-to-home (DTH), digital terrestrial television.
(DTT) and over-the-top (OTT) solutions enable the business to stay relevant and aligned to changing consumer habits while capturing new markets. Content is at the very core of the business. MCG aims to deliver quality content anywhere, anytime and on any device through a comprehensive video entertainment offering at different price points. As pioneers in African video entertainment, MCG plays an important role in making information and entertainment easily accessible to Africans.
MCG aims to secure content rights in a manner that is cost-effective and reflective of the diversity of its audiences. Its substantial portfolio includes award-winning local content (a key differentiator in its service offering), a leading sport offering (including production capabilities) and access to international content, which is all shared on the group's platforms: DStv, GOtv, Showmax, M-Net and SuperSport.
MCG has superior technology capability through the security solutions that Irdeto, its technology company, brings to the group. These solutions enable MultiChoice to protect its investment, create new offerings and combat cybercrime. With 50 years' expertise in software security, Irdeto's software security solutions and cyber services protect over 5bn devices and applications for some of the world's best brands.
Introduction In the bustling business landscape of the UK, call answering services have become an indispensable tool for various sectors. These services not only ensure efficient communication but also enhance customer satisfaction and business growth. Let’s explore how different industries benefit from these services. Accountants & Financial Sector For accountants and financial advisors, maintaining a professional image …
City to deal with the 32-million litres of raw sewage it pumps out to sea every day
Mobile networks must not be complacent about SIM swap fraud and they need to prioritise the protection of customers. This is according to Gur Geva, Founder and CEO of iiDENTIFii (www.iiDENTIFii.com).
“Although SABRIC has noted a slight decline in reported SIM swap fraud in its latest report, mobile service providers still need to tighten up their data security to protect against fraudsters using false identities and SIM swap scams,” says Geva.
This is particularly relevant as telecommunications and banking industries become increasingly intertwined. Banks now offer mobile services, while mobile network operators provide financial services, and so there is a convergence between the regulatory requirements of FICA and RICA. This shift has led to heightened identity theft risks, requiring mobile operators to adopt stringent identity verification practices inspired by the financial sector's standards.
Operators need to define practical, robust security solutions that adhere to and surpass current telco legislation. Geva says, “In order to combat SIM swap and identity fraud, networks should focus on the provision of simple, scalable and safe digital identity. This has a far-reaching impact, not only on safer mobile use and the protection of consumers from fraud, but also on the ability of consumers to access mobile, financial and governmental services through their phones.”
The current state of SIM swap fraud
SABRIC's 2022 crime report (https://apo-opa.co/3HRlavN) notes that mobile banking fraud saw a 9% reduction in reported incidents in 2022, and that SIM swap incidents declined from 87% in 2021 to 76% (7 657) in 2022. While this reduction is positive, there are still thousands of SIM swap fraud incidents reported each year.
“Cyber-crime will continue to evolve, and networks need to be prepared for increasingly sophisticated SIM swap attacks. Their strongest line of defense is in securing the identity of a person's identity to each SIM,” says Geva.
The effectiveness of this approach has been demonstrated in nations such as Kenya, Namibia, Pakistan and Russia, which have all been enforcing varying levels of biometric SIM registration to deter fraudsters.
Increasing legislation to prevent attacks
The nature of these SIM-related crimes goes beyond financial crimes and SIM swap fraud.
“For the cost of a few unregistered SIM cards at R5 each from a roadside vendor, planning a murder becomes untraceable by police through RICA, and thus virtually risk-free,” says Natasha Mazzone, the DA's Shadow Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies in an article on RICA legislation (https://apo-opa.co/3HRtZp4).
In 2022, ICASA published draft regulations that would require mobile network operators to collect subscriber biometric data. ICASA said these regulations would reduce instances of mobile number hijacking via fraudulent SIM swaps and number porting. However, this was met by hesitance from consumers and organisations such as Communications Risk Information Centre (COMRiC). Consumers feared that the collection of biometric data would compromise their privacy, while COMRiC felt that biometrics as a single solution was too limited in its scope and challenging to implement at scale.
What networks can do
Mobile networks (as owners of the SIM and the technology behind it) should consider implementing clear strategies and leading technologies to mitigate SIM swap fraud and protect their customers. And while SIM swaps constitute one problem, identity fraud is far more problematic.
“When it comes to securing a person's identity, we believe that face biometrics offer the most secure solution,” adds Geva.
In South Africa, face biometrics would be able to verify whether the person registering a SIM is live and doing it in the present moment, as well as binding the SIM card to that applicant's identity and facial image. It can validate barcoded identification documents presented, RICA or FICA details and a facial image back to the Department of Home Affairs. This prevents identity fraud and proves that the individual applying for services online is a ‘live' person and not a deepfake. SIM swaps become a moot point, as all SIM cards are then data bound to a legitimate individual with accurate RICA requirements.
The question of surveillance
Biometrics are deeply personal, but opt-in biometrics do not open consumers up to surveillance.
“Because biometric technology only started making its way into the mainstream relatively recently, consumers are still unsure of what the technology entails and how it may be used. This, naturally, leads to some misconceptions and fears. The reality is that opt-in biometrics are the most secure way to identify someone – and keep their information and identity safe from misuse – and these differ a great deal from biometrics used for surveillance,” says Geva.
Remote biometric onboarding links a person's biometric data, whether their face or fingerprint, to their account so that they, and only they, can access the account safely and securely. This protects them from fraud.
The question of implementation
In terms of successfully rolling out biometric identity for mobile phones in Africa to protect consumers and companies from SIM-related crime, two key criteria need to be met: scalability and accessibility.
“I urge network providers in Africa to invest in enterprise-grade identity platforms that are robust, scalable and built to handle growing subscribers and fraud-prevention demands,” says Geva. “For example, most of South Africa's leading banks have relied on our own enterprise-grade platform at iiDENTIFI to roll out fast and effective mobile banking verification initiatives at scale. This has proven that, with a simple, fast and friction-free tool, consumers are willing to pass through an extra layer of digital protection.”
“SIM swaps are still a major problem, and networks still have a way to go in protecting consumers. By securing identity for all SIM at the moment of registration, it is possible to make great leaps in providing protection against SIM-related crimes.”
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of iiDENTIFii.
About iiDENTIFii:
iiDENTIFii is an award-winning face authentication and identity verification platform that distinguishes itself through its use of 3D and 4D Liveness® detection. Purpose-built for enterprises across Africa and the Middle East, iiDENTIFii enables frictionless, scalable customer onboarding in seconds from anywhere and on any device. Founded in 2018, iiDENTIFii has become a proven key partner in multiple tier 1 African banks. The technology plugs seamlessly into existing infrastructures, including mobile and web-based platforms. www.iiDENTIFii.com
As illegal dumps mushroom, the municipality is trying to expand rubbish collection services
Buy Diesel Direct: Revolutionizing Diesel Supply with Unmatched Efficiency and Reliability Your Trusted Diesel Supplier Ensuring Seamless Bulk Diesel Delivery Nationwide In an era where efficiency and reliability are paramount, Buy Diesel Direct emerges as a beacon of excellence in the diesel supply industry. Renowned for our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction, we specialize …
Embarking on a hair care journey requires the right tools and products to ensure your hair not only looks great but also stays healthy. Let’s dive into some of the best products available for every hair care need. For those seeking the perfect hair straightening tools, look no further than ghd. Known for their exceptional …
Mashatile calls for more to be done to transform mining industry
Deputy President Paul Mashatile believes that although the Mining Charter has achieved some success in reforming the mining industry, more still needs to be done.
“The 30 years of our nation’s democracy should compel us to become even more proactive about the issue of economic transformation in this industry and country.”
The Deputy President delivered a keynote address at the South African Youth Economic Council (SAYEC) Business Dialogue during the Mining Indaba in Cape Town.
“The transformation of this sector is important because it forms a vital part of our country's development trajectory, driving infrastructure development, which includes the construction of roads, railways, and power plants, and positively impacting the economy.
“Our country's rich natural resources provide a comparative advantage in processing, manufacturing, and beneficiation through mining value chains,” he told attendees on Tuesday.
The Deputy President said while the economic growth of the sector is important, its transformation is equally important, to the extent that it is inclusive of women, youth, and other marginalised groups in society.
“The subject of diversity and inclusion in the mining sector should be at the top of our agenda. We must ask ourselves, ‘How can we ensure equitable sharing of social and economic benefits in the mining sector?’”
He took the time to call on young people to explore opportunities that will make them a key part of this sector, integrating it with manufacturing and technology.
“As a youth, you should identify your role in the value chain and position yourselves in a way that empowers you and benefits the mining sector globally.”
The Deputy President is of the view that the economic viability of the mining sector relies on developing strategies for expanding the industry through mineral beneficiation and improving the economic and social contribution of the sector.
“This presents an opportunity for youth inclusion in the value chains associated with the mining sector.”
Deputy President Mashatile cited President Cyril Ramaphosa who opened the indaba and told guests that mining has a key role to play in building the economy of tomorrow.
“You are the future of this country, and you need to take advantage of the valuable resources and huge business opportunities in the mining industry,” President Ramaphosa said at the opening of the indaba on Monday.
In addition to diamonds and gold, the Deputy President said the country also contains reserves of iron ore, platinum, manganese, chromium, copper, uranium, silver, beryllium and titanium.
“We must capitalise on the increased demand for these raw materials to build our nation's economy and attract more investors.”
Transformation and skills development
As South Africa marks 30 years of democracy this year, the Deputy President acknowledged that the country's mining industry has undergone significant transformation.
For almost 150 years, mining has been a crucial part of South Africa's economy, contributing around 7.5% to the gross domestic product (GDP) and accounting for about 60% of the country's exports by value.
Referring to the latest survey undertaken by the Minerals Council of South Africa, he said it found that 32 member companies reviewed, largely complied with the five key transformation elements of the 2010 Mining Charter.
These elements included ownership, employment equity, procurement, human resources development, and mine community development.
“It is worth noting that the surveyed companies achieved a weighted average of 39.2% ownership equity by historically disadvantaged South Africans, which exceeds the Charter's 26% target.”
In addition, he emphasised the significance of skills development for the youth that are not in employment, education and training between the ages of 15 and 24 in efforts to address unemployment.
The Deputy President challenged the mining industry to provide skills-development opportunities that will lead to much-needed employment opportunities.
“It is time for us, as government and private sector, to invest more than ordinary resources in the development of our youth. We must allow them to voice their concerns, and their proposed solutions must be valued and integrated into the broader strategy for economic growth.”
He noted government’s commitment to including the youth in its sustainable development strategy.
“Our mining policies are more than paperwork; rather, they are strategic frameworks that direct us towards mining operations that are responsible, sustainable, and socially inclusive.” – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Wed, 02/07/2024 - 10:17
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