Community policing forums should be holding police accountable
CPFs are not just there to help cops do their jobs
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Emerging Black Innovator and Entrepreneur Ezra Rasethe: Democratizing Wealth Creation in South Africa through Property Investment
Ezra Rasethe, Founder and CEO of InvestRand, is spearheading a mission to democratize wealth creation in the country. InvestRand empowers ordinary individuals to build long-term wealth through property investment. The innovative marketplace partners with everyday South Africans, providing them with the knowledge and tools to achieve their investment goals, whether it’s capital growth, passive income, …
Insult to injury: will there be any justice for District Six families?
Six families ask the state to expropriate their homes to avoid eviction
Excellent Communications From MAHLE SA’s CSR Draws International Attention
• MAHLE South Africa has received international recognition by winning the IPRA Golden World Awards for Excellence • The Award was handed over at a glittering Gala Dinner in Barcelona Spain. • MAHLE’s continues to be committed advancing Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths subjects in underprivileged communities. MAHLE South Africa, a subsidiary of the MAHLE …
Milken–Motsepe Prize in Green Energy Finalists Announced
The Milken Institute and the Motsepe Foundation (https://MilkenMotsepePrize.org) today announced the five teams (https://apo-opa.info/3tXVKZw) advancing to the Finalist Round of the Milken–Motsepe Prize in Green Energy. Each finalist team will receive $70,000 to further develop and test their designs in a live field test demonstration in South Africa next year.
The finalist teams are:
- AfTrak Micro Electric Agriculture and Energy (https://apo-opa.info/3QprXQS), for its innovative system of using solar microgrids to power custom-designed tractors for deep-bed farming;
- GEG ehf. (https://GEGpower.is/), for its solar- and geothermal-powered hybrid renewable energy system;
- New Digit Technologies (https://apo-opa.info/40q1yXR), for its compact, portable device to generate energy and purify water;
- OMNIVAT (https://www.OMNIVAT.tech/), for its containerized electricity generation and storage system for remote communities; and,
- Smart Agri-Centres (https://e4sv.org/), for its solar-powered community hubs that provide affordable clean energy and services to farmers.
“Access to electricity can advance industrialization across Africa and improve the standards of living for many marginalized communities,” said Dr. Precious Moloi-Motsepe, co-founder and CEO of the Motsepe Foundation. “These finalists are building innovative solutions to deliver on the promise of a sustainable future, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals. We will be delighted to welcome them to South Africa for the live demonstrations next year.”
An independent panel of expert judges determined the five teams continuing to the Finalist Round based on a rigorous evaluation of real-world data.
Judges will continue to evaluate competing teams' abilities to meet the challenge of generating 60kWh of electricity in a 24-hour period by:
- demonstrating off-grid electricity generation using green energy sources;
- validating demonstration results with data collection; and
- providing affordable and reliable electricity to energy-poor communities, as informed by the demonstration.
“These finalists have once again proven the value of the innovation competition model in driving breakthroughs,” said Emily Musil Church, PhD, senior director at the Milken Institute. “The Semifinalist Round pushed these teams to stretch their limits and build solutions that are scalable and life-changing for millions.”
To date, the competition has awarded US$750,000 to entrepreneurs testing bold ideas to expand access to reliable, affordable, and sustainable electricity in Africa.
In May 2024, the judges will award a US$1 million Grand Prize. A runner-up prize of US$250,000 will also be awarded. In total, the Milken–Motsepe Prize in Green Energy will award over US$2 million in prizes and additional benefits.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Milken-Motsepe Innovation Prize Program.
Media Contact:
Chad Clinton
+1 (202) 262-1067
cclinton@milkeninstitute.org
About the Milken Institute:
The Milken Institute is a nonprofit, 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 www.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 marginalized 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.
Tourism opens request for proposals for Tourism Equity Fund (TEF)
Request for proposals for the Tourism Equity Fund opens.
The Department of Tourism together with the Small Enterprise Finance Agency (sefa), an agency within the Department of Small Business Development (DSBD) is pleased to announce the opening of the application process for the Tourism Equity Fund (TEF) starting from Monday 6 November 2023.
Following the Cabinet's approval in September 2023 for the revised TEF to be implemented, we are delighted to announce that the Request for Proposals for funding from the TEF is now open to businesses.
The R1.2 billion TEF aims to increase growth, and transformation and stimulate more inclusive participation in the tourism sector in line with the targets of the Tourism B-BBEE Sector Codes. The TEF is intended to address the funding challenges faced by Qualifying Small Enterprises and Emerging Micro Enterprises in the tourism sector.
The TEF will be implemented by:
- Assessing and scoring applications against jobs to be sustained and/or jobs to be created, location and geographic spread, and targeted groups (youth, women, and people with disabilities).
- Department of Tourism and sefa in partnership with banking and/or financial institutions in the Republic of South Africa, which includes, amongst others, banks and developmental finance institutions that will offer affordable and tailor-made financial solutions, in an attempt to close funding gaps in the market, through the provision of a blended finance solution.
- Disbursing a total of 80% of the TEF funds to existing Small Medium and Micro Enterprises in the market to enable these businesses to grow. The remaining allocation of 20% of the funds will be disbursed to new businesses.
sefa will implement, execute, and manage the Fund through a Fund Management Agreement signed with the Department of Tourism. The Department will support and monitor the implementation of the TEF on a monthly basis.
The TEF places significant emphasis on providing support to tourism enterprises that meet the qualifying criteria, including a minimum of 30% Black ownership either before or after the financial support. The TEF is exclusively dedicated to investing in various sub-sectors within the tourism industry as prescribed in the Tourism B-BBEE Sector Codes.
The Department of Tourism is committed to enhancing transformation in the tourism sector, and the TEF aims to contribute towards achieving transformation goals in this important sector of our economy.
“The funding structure comprises grant funding, and debt financing, to meet the distinct needs of tourism enterprises that are either seeking equity acquisition, investment in new developments, or expansion of their existing businesses,” Minister de Lille said.
The TEF is backed by formidable public-private partnerships, which support the participation of private, commercial, and non-commercial banks, and various developmental funding institutions.
“The collaboration between public and private entities serves as a notable example of successful cooperation in advancing a more inclusive and prosperous tourism sector,” Minister de Lille added.
Minister de Lille concluded: “As stated before. the Department of Tourism remains committed to advancing the transformation agenda through creating equitable opportunities to realise an inclusive and revived tourism economy.”
With consideration of Regulation Gazette No 11067, Volume 697, No 49018 published on 25 July 2023, withdrawing Regulation Gazette No 11241, Volume 668 of 19 February 2021. No 44172, all applicants (including previous applicants) are encouraged to submit new applications that will align with the new qualifying criteria of TEF.
For more information on the Tourism Equity Fund and the application process, please visit the Department of Tourism's website: https://apo-opa.info/3QIzYSG
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Department of Small Business Development, Republic of South Africa.
Tourism announces opening of application process for TEF
Tourism announces opening of application process for TEF
The Department of Tourism, together with the Small Enterprise Finance Agency (Sefa) - an agency within the Department of Small Business Development, has announced the opening of the application process for the Tourism Equity Fund (TEF) on Monday, 06 November 2023.
“Following Cabinet’s approval in September 2023 for the revised TEF to be implemented, we are delighted to announce that the Request for Proposals for funding from the TEF is now open to businesses,” the Department of Tourism said in a statement.
The R1.2 billion TEF aims to increase growth and transformation, and stimulate more inclusive participation in the tourism sector in line with the targets of the Tourism B-BBEE Sector Codes.
The TEF is intended to address the funding challenges faced by Qualifying Small Enterprises and Emerging Micro Enterprises in the tourism sector.
The TEF will be implemented by:
- Assessing and scoring applications against jobs to be sustained and/or jobs to be created, location and geographic spread, and targeted groups (youth, women, and people with disabilities).
- Department of Tourism and Sefa in partnership with banking and/or financial institutions in the Republic of South Africa, which includes, amongst others, banks and developmental finance institutions that will offer affordable and tailor-made financial solutions, in an attempt to close funding gaps in the market, through the provision of a blended finance solution.
- Disbursing a total of 80% of the TEF funds to existing Small Medium and Micro Enterprises in the market to enable these businesses to grow. The remaining allocation of 20% of the funds will be disbursed to new businesses.
“Sefa will implement, execute and manage the Fund through a Fund Management Agreement signed with the Department of Tourism. The Department will support and monitor the implementation of the TEF on a monthly basis,” the department said.
The TEF places significant emphasis on providing support to tourism enterprises that meet the qualifying criteria, including a minimum of 30% Black ownership either before or after the financial support.
The TEF is exclusively dedicated to investing in various sub-sectors within the tourism industry as prescribed in the Tourism B-BBEE Sector Codes.
The department said it is committed to enhancing transformation in the tourism sector and the TEF aims to contribute towards achieving transformation goals in this important sector of the economy.
“The funding structure comprises grant funding, and debt financing, to meet the distinct needs of tourism enterprises that are either seeking equity acquisition, investment in new developments, or expansion of their existing businesses,” Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille said.
The TEF is backed by public-private partnerships which support the participation of private, commercial, and non-commercial banks, and various developmental funding institutions.
“The collaboration between public and private entities serves as a notable example of successful cooperation in advancing a more inclusive and prosperous tourism sector.
“The Department of Tourism remains committed to advancing the transformation agenda through creating equitable opportunities to realise an inclusive and revived tourism economy,” de Lille said.
With consideration of Regulation Gazette No 11067, Volume 697, No 49018 published on 25 July 2023, withdrawing Regulation Gazette No 11241, Volume 668 of 19 February 2021. No 44172, all applicants (including previous applicants) are encouraged to submit new applications that will align with the new qualifying criteria of TEF.
For more information on the Tourism Equity Fund and the application process visit: https://www.tourism.gov.za/CurrentProjects/Tourism_Equity_Fund/Pages/Tourism_Equity_Fund.aspx - SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Thu, 11/02/2023 - 11:55
45 views
Partnerships are key to decarbonizing the South African economy.
The “energy trilemma” of delivering lower carbon energy that is affordable and secure is an issue facing all businesses and policymakers in the energy space. We believe that the world’s leading energy companies meaningfully want to achieve all three priorities. In January 2023, the New York Times reported that 2022 was the fifth-hottest year on …
LG Electronics Reports Outstanding Third-Quarter 2023 Financial Results
LG ANNOUNCES THIRD-QUARTER 2023 FINANCIAL RESULTS High Performance, Strong Profitability Reflect Progress in Advancing Business Portfolio, Accelerating B2B Business and Procuring New Growth Engines LG Electronics Inc. (LG) today announced third-quarter 2023 consolidated revenue of KRW 20.7 trillion and operating profit of KRW 996.7 billion, both the second highest third-quarter figures in the company’s history. …
Hollard gains East Africa foothold in deal with Kenya’s APA Insurance
Hollard International (https://apo-opa.info/3tUpGWD) will extend its footprint in Africa through the finalisation, on 31 October 2023, of an agreement to acquire a significant interest in Apollo Investments Limited, the holding company of Kenya-headquartered insurer APA Insurance.
This strategic investment, subject to regulatory approvals, gives Hollard International a presence in the East African market, supplementing its existing operations in Southern and West Africa.
Hollard becomes the second international investor in the Kenyan group, following Swiss Re, which acquired a stake in 2014.
For APA, the partnership gives Kenya's second-largest insurer access to a larger market and expanded opportunities for growth, says Ashok Shah, Group CEO of Apollo Investments Limited.
“It's an exciting time for APA because the Hollard International partnership will open new doors and new avenues of growth for our business. We'll have access to substantial new expertise in classes of business such as Motor, Engineering, Marine and other specialist lines of insurance – which we believe will open up a number of profitable business opportunities.”
Expressing the significance of the partnership, Shah notes, "In addition to expanding our operations in Kenya, this venture will also enable us to strengthen our foothold in Uganda and Tanzania. Moreover, it positions us favourably to seize opportunities in the Ethiopian market once it becomes accessible.”
Pravin Kalpagé, CEO of Hollard International, is equally upbeat about the transaction, heralding it as “a vote of confidence in the Kenyan and East African markets”.
He says, “Hollard International has been looking for an East African partner for some time, and APA ticked so many boxes – it has an established track record, an impressive value proposition with strong broker and customer relationships, and it shares our values around community, reliability and customer-centricity. All these elements resonated strongly with us.
“This investment continues Hollard International's African model of finding strong local businesses and management teams with whom to partner in-country, rather than parachuting expatriates into a new market.”
He adds that exploring options in Francophone West Africa is next on Hollard International's to-do list.
Kalpagé has also pledged to bring Hollard International's model of “impact beyond insurance” to the East African market – as demonstrated in Mozambique and Ghana, among other countries.
Hollard Mozambique has developed risk-mitigation insurance products to protect smallholder and subsistence farmers – whose livelihoods are totally reliant on their crops – from extreme weather events through a partnership with local seed providers.
In Ghana, the MeBanbo microinsurance product arose from a partnership between Hollard Life, Vodafone Ghana and Sasai Fintech, a business of Cassava Technologies. It offers accessible, affordable life insurance cover, via an end-to-end digital platform, to the underserved Ghanaian market.
“This focus on being a catalyst for social impact in Africa is in line with Hollard's business purpose, which is to enable more people to create and secure a better future,” concludes Kalpagé.
In South Africa, Hollard is the largest privately owned insurance group, offering both life and non-life product suites. Hollard International extends insurance solutions outside of South Africa through operations in Namibia, Mozambique, Zambia, Lesotho, Botswana and Ghana, with East Africa (Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania) being added to the list through the APA transaction.
APA Insurance is owned by Apollo Investments Limited, which was founded in 1977 with a mission to provide “present and future peace of mind to the East African market and, in turn, enhance the quality of life for both our clients and loved ones”. Built on commitment, integrity and innovation, Apollo has since become one of the leading financial services groups in East Africa, with six companies under its belt.
Issued by Flow Communications on behalf of Hollard.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Hollard.
For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact Khaya Thwala on khayat@flowsa.com or +27 78 349 0668.
About Hollard International:
In South Africa, Hollard is the largest privately owned insurance group, offering both Life and Non-Life product suites. Hollard International extends insurance solutions outside of South Africa through operations in Namibia, Mozambique, Zambia, Lesotho, Botswana and Ghana, with East Africa (Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania) being added to the list through the APA transaction. https://apo-opa.info/3tUpGWD
About APA Insurance:
APA Insurance is part of the Apollo Group, one of the leading insurance groups operating in East Africa, providing a broad array of insurance solutions across Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania. APA is one of Kenya's largest non-life insurers and provides access to Motor, Liability, Agriculture, Property and Health insurance as well as a unique range of micro-insurance products. APA Life Assurance is one the fastest growing life insurance companies in Kenya providing Individual Life, Savings, Investments and employee benefits solutions including Group Life, pensions and Annuities. Its other primary insurance business units include APA Life Insurance, APA Insurance in Uganda; an asset management company, Apollo Asset Management; and a property company, Gordon Court. The Apollo Associate in Tanzania is Reliance Insurance Company. https://www.APAInsurance.org/
Black Friday Deals 2023: Up to 47% off on Portable Power Stations with a 5-Year Warranty
As South Africa anticipates the imminent summer season, EcoFlow (https://www.EcoFlow.com/za) takes pride in unveiling its highly anticipated Black Friday Deals (https://apo-opa.info/49kW4lw) for 2023. As load shedding concerns (https://apo-opa.info/49fxceJ) resurface, EcoFlow's exclusive offers, saving up to 47% on load shedding solutions, provide relief from power outages and ensure a constant supply of electricity when it's needed most.
Historical Price Drops
EcoFlow's Black Friday sale presents a golden opportunity to acquire cutting-edge power solutions at unbeatable prices. The highlight of this sale is undoubtedly the award-winning DELTA 2 (https://apo-opa.info/3QH8w7u), EcoFlow's flagship portable power station. Now, for a limited time, customers can enjoy an astounding 28% discount, making the DELTA 2 available for just R17999. That's a remarkable R7000 in savings.
The DELTA 2 is a testament to cutting-edge power innovation, with the ability to expand its capacity from 1-3kWh, fully recharge in just 80 minutes, and deliver an impressive 1800W of rated power output. This performance can be elevated to a staggering 2400W with X-Boost, seamlessly powering up to 90% of household appliances, including microwaves, coffee machines, kettles, and hair dryers.
Turning to the versatile RIVER 2 Max
Equally enticing in this Black Friday extravaganza is the RIVER 2 Max (https://apo-opa.info/3soLbOF), EcoFlow's versatile portable power station. The RIVER 2 Max enjoys an impressive 38% price reduction, now available at just R7999, providing customers with a significant R5000 saving.
With a substantial 512Wh battery capacity and a quick recharge time of as little as one hour, the RIVER 2 Max offers substantial power reserves. Boasting a 500W rated power output, expandable to 1000W with X-Boost, this unit efficiently caters to basic household and outdoor appliance needs, from powering TVs and game consoles to refrigerators.
Portable Power On-the-Go: RIVER 2
The RIVER 2 (https://apo-opa.info/40itvRg), another member of EcoFlow's product lineup, is equally appealing with a generous 43% price reduction. During this Black Friday sale, the RIVER 2 is available for only R3999, offering an attractive R3000 discount.
Compact yet powerful, the RIVER 2 features a high-capacity 256Wh battery and a rapid charging time of just one hour. With a 300W rated power output, expandable to 600W with X-Boost, RIVER 2 is perfect for essential electronic devices, including smartphones, laptops, WiFi routers, cameras, and even televisions.
A Decade of Power Assurance
Both the DELTA 2 and RIVER 2 series offer peace of mind with their impressive battery life of 3000 cycles, guaranteeing a decade of reliable power. To further ensure product quality, EcoFlow extends a reassuring 5-year warranty on these exceptional units. Their on-site after-sales service team is dedicated to providing top-notch service to earn your trust.
Solar Panels: The Sustainable Energy Companion
For those looking to harness the power of the sun, EcoFlow offers substantial discounts on its Solar Panels (https://apo-opa.info/3tTNh9U). Bundling with DELTA 2 or RIVER 2 Series, customers can enjoy savings of up to 47%. This unique pairing transforms portable power stations into sustainable Solar Generators (https://apo-opa.info/3SlEMOO), allowing users to reduce their grid dependency and access a source of long-term, eco-friendly power for off-grid living.
EcoFlow's Black Friday Deals will run throughout November, from November 1 to November 30. It's an opportunity for customers to save up to 47%, maximum saving at R27999, on their favourite power solutions. Detailed information about the discounts and promotions can be found on the official EcoFlow website (https://apo-opa.info/49kW4lw) or the Takealot store (https://apo-opa.info/3tTslQ9).
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of EcoFlow.
Media Contact:
Orange Lin
EcoFlow Communications Manager, South Africa
orange.lin@ecoflow.com
About EcoFlow:
EcoFlow is a leading eco-friendly energy solutions company with the vision to power a new world. Since its founding in 2017, EcoFlow aims to become a reliable and trusted energy companion for individuals and families across the world, providing accessible and renewable power solutions at home, outdoors, and in mobile spaces. Today, with operational headquarters located in the USA, Germany, and Japan, EcoFlow has empowered more than 2.5 million users in over 100 markets worldwide.
Four CIT robbers killed on N4 during shootout with police
Four CIT robbers killed on N4 during shootout with police
Four cash in transit (CIT) robbers were fatally wounded in a shootout with law enforcement agencies in Mmakau in the North West province on Monday afternoon.
According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), a multi-disciplinary team received intelligence about a group of suspects planning to commit a cash in transit robbery between the North West and Gauteng.
“The information was operationalised and led the team to the N4 highway where the identified suspects' vehicle was observed.
“The suspects' vehicle was spotted as it turned towards Mmakau. A high-speed chase and shootout ensued as soon as the suspects realised they were about to be captured.
“The suspects lost control of their vehicle and collided with a fence. Four of the suspects were fatally wounded and three unlicensed firearms, two handguns as well as a rifle were recovered from the scene,” said the police.
The suspects are aged between 30 and 45-years-old.
The multi-disciplinary team - comprising the Hawks Tactical Operations Management Section (TOMS), Gauteng Traffic Saturation Unit, Gauteng Traffic Police Chopper, Badboyz Security, Tracker Connect, CAP Specialised Operations, FRS-Falcon Risk Solutions, SAPS PHO Crime Intelligence, SAPS Anti-Gang Unit and SAPS Gauteng Tactical Response Team – have been applauded for foiling the would-be cash in transit heist.
Police said further investigations are ongoing. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Tue, 10/31/2023 - 11:46
524 views
A Guide To Google’s Core Web Vitals
You’ve probably heard of Google’s Core Web Vitals, but do you really know what they’re all about? They’re a set of specific factors that Google considers important in a webpage’s overall user experience. Why should you care? Well, these metrics significantly influence your website’s ranking on search engine results. In this article, we’ll break down …
An In-Depth Guide To How Google Search Works
Introduction Google Search stands as a paragon of automation in the realm of search engines, navigating the vast expanses of the internet with precision and efficiency. Through the utilisation of sophisticated web crawlers, Google incessantly scours the web, methodically adding pages to its extensive index. Remarkably, the vast majority of these pages find their way into …
Understanding Google’s Link Spam Update: What It Is And Why It Matters
Introduction In the intricate world of Search Engine Optimisation (SEO), the role of link-building is paramount. Links, often deemed as the ‘backbone’ of the internet, play a critical role in determining the authority, relevance, and overall credibility of a website. When one site links to another, it essentially casts a vote of confidence, vouching for the …
SA participates in Cairo Water Week
SA participates in Cairo Water Week
Water and Sanitation Deputy Minister David Mahlobo will participate in a high-level ministerial panel discussion at the sixth edition of Cairo Water Week (CWW2023) in Cairo, Egypt this week.
The conference, to be held from 29 October to 2 November 20203, is organised by the Egyptian Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation and will be attended by ministers, water experts, stakeholders, and academics from around the world.
Held under the theme: “Action on Water Adaptation for Sustainability”, the conference will focus on fostering cross-sectoral cooperation and present innovative solutions for the sustainable management of water resources.
Over the past five years, Cairo Water Week has evolved into a prominent global platform for addressing pressing water-related challenges.
The Department of Water and Sanitation said through its diverse workshops, seminars, and knowledge exchanges, it has played a pivotal role in shaping innovative solutions and collaborative strategies to tackle issues such as water scarcity, climate change, and ecosystem resilience.
The Deputy Minister will engage in constructive discussions on vital issues, including policies, strategies, plans, and measures related to water adaptation, to ensure sustainability for the Arab, Mediterranean, African, and worldwide regions.
“Among the issues to be discussed is technologies of reclamation and desalination of water in the African region, which can increase freshwater supplies to areas that are experiencing decreased water supply and water quality,” the department said in a statement.
The department noted that the current installed desalination inventory in South Africa is very modest in comparison to other parts of the world like the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, Australia and the United States of America.
“There are about 33 plants that have been built over several years, with a combined capacity of not exceeding a total of 200 Ml/d to treat various types of waste water, including seawater and mine water for mostly domestic consumption.
“The plant capacities range from 1 kl/d to 47 Ml/d, but the vast majority are smaller than 10 Ml/d and were implemented as emergency drought response projects. Such plants are generally not deemed viable for continued operation when the drought breaks and conditions returned to normal. For comparison some of the new schemes coming up in MENA region are in the order of 600 Ml/day,” the department said.
Mahlobo said South Africa needs to increase projects for the reuse, reclamation, and desalination of seawater to strengthen its water resilience.
This is in line with the country’s National Water and Sanitation Master Plan. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Sun, 10/29/2023 - 11:06
90 views
How Long Does a Courier Catch to Deliver
In our fast-paced world, timely delivery of packages and documents is essential. Whether you’re a business shipping products to customers, or an individual sending a gift to a loved one, the speed and reliability of the courier service you choose can make all the difference. One might wonder: just how long does a courier take …
Minister of Education Unveils Edu Invest initiative
Public-Private Partnership initiative aims to attract investment into education and establish the Western Cape as an innovation powerhouse.
- Edu Invest: A public-private partnership initiative to attract investment and fuel education innovation in the Western Cape.
- Emphasis on attracting investments into low-cost new private schools to alleviate overcrowding and improve access to quality education.
- The initiative highlights the commitment of both public and private sectors to reshape the educational landscape, promote collaboration, and create a brighter future for the Western Cape.
The Western Cape Education Department, in collaboration with Wesgro, the official agency responsible for promoting tourism, trade, and investment in the region, has launched a ground-breaking initiative, Edu Invest. This public-private collaboration seeks to not only drive investment into the education sector but also ignite innovation throughout the region.
By uniting a diverse spectrum of stakeholders, Edu Invest jumpstarts investments in high-quality education, fosters collaboration, and fuels innovation.
Edu Invest will position the Western Cape as the premier education and innovation hub on the continent, making it the go-to choice for investments in the education sector. It represents a pivotal moment driven by a dual mission. First and foremost, it offers a gateway to investment opportunities in the education sector, an arena poised for remarkable transformation and substantial growth. Simultaneously, it serves as a unifying platform, nurturing collaboration among stakeholders with the shared goal of cultivating long-term public-private partnerships. This convergence of interests and investments has strategic significance, shaping the future of education in the Western Cape and generating a robust skills pipeline.
The initiative focuses on attracting investments in new private schools, including those that serve learners in poor communities, to create more classrooms and alleviate overcrowding in schools. This step is crucial for improving access to quality education and enhancing overall educational outcomes.
Currently, the Western Cape has a total of 1,754 schools out of which 1,449 are public schools. We have a much lower proportion of independent schools than provinces like Gauteng. Despite an additional 18 000 learners joining our province's education system each year, we do not have enough independent schools, and particularly low-fee independent schools, complementing our public school offering.
It's becoming increasingly urgent to establish new schools in the Western Cape, which is known for its dedication to retaining students and delivering high-quality education.
The learner-to-teacher ratio in schools remains persistently high, especially for government-funded teachers across all nine provinces. This essentially means that teachers paid by the government are dealing with an overwhelming number of students in their classrooms. The availability of new school places in independent schools would help to address overcrowding in public schools.
David Maynier, Western Cape Minister of Education, emphasised that the future of SA hinges on a strong education system that works hand in hand with the private sector and integrates smart solutions to address learning setbacks.
"We are not just paying lip service to change in the Western Cape. We are actively collaborating with businesses to improve teaching and learning outcomes and expand access to education in our province. We are wholeheartedly embracing innovative teaching and learning methods," Maynier stated.
He underlined the pressing demand for additional classrooms and a strengthened education sector, especially in the aftermath of the pandemic, which resulted in substantial learning losses.
“We need to all work together to build a world-class education system. Edu Invest promises to be a game-changer, promoting education innovation, collaboration, and driving investments in the Western Cape's education sector. This initiative demonstrates the commitment of both public and private sectors to reshape the educational landscape and create a brighter future for the region,” Maynier said.
Wrenelle Stander, CEO of Wesgro, underscored the critical role of education innovation to drive competitiveness.
"Edu Invest reflects Wesgro's commitment to advancing the business of education. Education is the cornerstone of a thriving economy, essential for both economic prosperity and social well-being," she emphasised. Private sector investments, Stander stated, will enhance academic achievements and overall competitiveness.
Stander highlighted the need for pioneering methods, state-of-the-art technology, contemporary curricula, indispensable teacher training, and a complete overhaul of our perspective on education.
She added: "We are amidst global competition, racing to secure new markets, investments, skills, and technology. To not only survive but flourish on the global stage, we must craft a fresh growth narrative with education as its linchpin. For businesses, it's not just a strategic move; it's an investment in the young talents who will shape our economic future.”
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Western Cape Education Department, South Africa.
Investment in education critical for Africa’s development
Investment in education critical for Africa’s development
Minister in The Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni has highlighted the importance of investing in education as a key factor for Africa’s development.
“Access to education is the cornerstone of intellectual progress. We must prioritise education from early childhood to higher learning, ensuring that every African child has the opportunity to realise its potential,” Ntshavheni said on Friday.
Delivering the 3rd OR Tambo Annual Memorial Lecture at the University of South Africa in Pretoria, the Minister said investing in education will create a generation of critical thinkers, inventors and problem solvers.
“Africa has often been portrayed through stereotypes that do not do justice to its complex reality. By reclaiming Africa’s intellectual future, we challenge these stereotypes and present a more accurate and dynamic image of the continent.
“By investing in quality education systems, we empower the next generation of African thinkers to build on the achievements of their predecessors. This includes fostering critical thinking, research and innovation.
“Intellectual progress is often born from open and inclusive dialogue. It is essential to create platforms and spaces for African intellectuals to engage with global conversations.”
She said this exchange of ideas can lead to innovative solutions to local and global challenges.
“Collaboration between African intellectuals and their counterparts worldwide can lead to a development of new ideas and solutions. Encouraging partnerships can help harness the full potential of Africa’s intellectual capital.”
South Africa's Census 2022 national results showed that 60.2% of children are in early childhood learning while 5.3million children are not participating in the early childhood development (ECD) programme.
The Minister Expressed concern at the statistics of children not participating in ECD while affirming government’s commitment towards working on measures to ensure their participation.
“The number of children with no access to education has declined to just 6.9% and the number completing Grade 12 has also increased to 37.6% from a mere 16.3% in 1996.
“Post school graduates have grown to 12.2%. As we commit to leave no one behind, we challenge universities to find mechanisms to ensure that broader access to quality and relevant post education for all,” Ntshavheni said.
With the lecture taking place under the theme: ‘Reclaiming Africa’s Intellectual Futures,’ the Minister emphasised the importance of promoting research and innovation.
“Africa has a wealth of untapped potential in the fields of science and technology and innovation,” she said. –SAnews.gov.za
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Fri, 10/27/2023 - 17:28
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Africa Tech Festival Announces Top 10 Finalists for Start-Up World Cup
The results are in and today, organisers of the annual Africa Tech Festival (https://apo-opa.info/3myppVu), taking place in Cape Town 14 – 16 November, announced the top ten finalists of the AfricaIgnite Pitch Competition who will battle it out to win the opportunity to represent the African continent in the Startup World Cup (https://www.StartupWorldCup.io/) on 1 December this year.
Making the announcement, James Williams, Senior Director, Events | Connecting Africa | Informa Tech, remarked: “Congratulations to everyone who entered. We called for the continent's brightest, most inspiring founders to apply to help build the African innovation ecosystem and they certainly delivered.
“I know I speak for my colleagues, the investors and judges who will be closely monitoring the pitch competition, when I say that Africa's talent, ingenuity, and unmatched potential is abundant and diverse, and this is clearly represented in this broad array of finalists. It is therefore going to be no small task to select just one winner who will represent the continent at the Startup World Cup Final, held by Pegasus in San Francisco on 1st December.”
Providing insight as to what she will be looking for in the winning pitch, investor, and AfricaIgnite Pitch Competition judge, Keshni Morar of Investable (https://www.Investable.Business/), warns contenders to come prepared. Morar will be looking for the granular detail in the presentations, with a demonstrable understanding of the market in which the start-up is looking to play or is already active. Depth of the go to market strategy too for those start-ups at pre-seed capital, is a vital consideration.
But in short, Morar says: “Like every other serious investor out there, I look for the coherence between the pitch story and the data points. If it's not there, there's no chance of us getting involved.”
The top ten looking to win the AfricaIgnite Pitch Competition Final are:
AsaanaPay (https://apo-opa.info/46O2WGc)- a payments and rewards platform for minority owned businesses enabling offline and online payments and unrestricted cash back rewards to attract and retain customers. Asaana facilitates local and global payments through a variety of channels from mobile wallets and traditional banks to everything in between. Headquartered in Kenya, Asaana services the world.
Tausi App (https://TausiApp.com/)– beauty is freedom and beauty is also big business in Africa, which is how Tausi came about. An app that connects beauticians to clients and provides professional hair and make-up and other services to make clients feel fabulous, with a rating system and in-depth onboarding process that is simple to use. Headquartered in Kenya with more than 6000 registered beauticians on their books and having helped more than 20 000 clients.
Bus54 (https://Bus-54.com/)– Based in Nigeria, Bus54 is a mobility technology company providing a platform to aggregate intercity bus transportation in Africa, allowing passengers to search, compare, book, and manage their journeys online. The platform enables transport operators to manage their end-to-end operations from a secure portal with no need for additional investment in IT software or hardware, and an additional channel to sell their tickets.
Delta Scan (https://DeltaScan.global/)– a specialist engineering inspection, digitisation and BIM company based in South Africa that digitize the world around us to create powerful analytical 3D models to extract engineering value. The company, based in South Africa, strives to improve efficiency, bring down costs, and provide comprehensive information to make better informed decisions. Combining cutting edge aerial platforms and scanning technology together with 3D digitization, artificial intelligence and engineering analysis principles.
Oneway Connect (https://www.OnewayConnect.co.za/)- a cutting-edge job matching and recruitment software prioritizing cultural alignment that is shaping the future of hiring. Beyond traditional CVs, the platform evaluates capabilities and traits, fostering purposeful performers for businesses. At the heart of their mission is creating a fair candidate experience. With a simple click, jobseekers are seamlessly connected to their ideal roles while assessments empower employers to truly understand candidates' potential beyond mere keywords.
Ukwenza VR (https://UkwenzaVR.com/)- a social enterprise based in Kenya that focuses on creating educational Virtual Reality (VR) content to complement classroom learning and offer additional learning on social and environmental issues e.g. conservation and plastic pollution.
We work with schools & educators to create and deliver the content to ensure it meets learning standards that serve the community.
Hippocampus Education (https://HippocampusEducation.io/)- Hippocampus is an adaptive tutoring Facebook Messenger bot that provides differentiated instruction and instant feedback that is customized to meet each individual's learning needs. It acts as a liaison between the lecturer and the student or between the tutor and the student, supporting in assessment activities, facilitating a learning environment that meets each student's learning needs, and provides positive and constructive feedback on the progress and performance of the student.
BenaCare (https://BenaCare.or.ke/)– a Kenyan based social enterprise that delivers affordable clinical and supportive care to patients with life limiting illnesses at the comfort of their own homes. They also reduce and re-distrinbute unpaid care performed by women family caregivers in rural Kenya, by training them on the basics of caregiving like wound care, vitals taking, grooming, ambulation, pressure are care and toileting. IN this way Benacare improves the outcome of the patients taken care of and equip these women with caregiving skills which can then earn them a living.
Gradlinc (https://Gradlinc.co.za/)– more than a matchmaker between graduate and employer and vice versa, Gradlinc helps prepare graduates for the workplace from helping with CVs to creating personal brands and is free to graduates. It is a vital two-way bridge between ‘people', not jobs and workers, as matching values, and individuality in people – whether the graduate or the employer – builds long-term successful relationships with mutual benefits.
Kyanda Africa (https://Kyanda.co.ke/)– seamless payment solutions with easy financial reach, Nairobi-based Kyanda Africa provide safe and easy access to financial and related services simultaneously in an affordable, efficient, and transparent manner for all at all times. They are on a mission to drive down the number of unbanked and underbanked people across Africa.
The AfricaIgnite Pitch Competition Final takes place at Africa Tech Festival in the Auditorium 2 of the CTICC on 16th November from 2pm to 3.30pm. An open-to-all feature, the Final will bring a great crowd of founders, tech leaders and investors to witness who will be crowned winner. Free entry to start-ups and visitors is available – please see below for further details about registration.
For more information about Africa Tech Festival, please see website here: https://apo-opa.info/3myppVu
For more information about the AfricaIgnite Pitch Competition, please visit: https://apo-opa.info/46I88va
For more information about the Startup World Cup, powered by Pegasus, please visit: https://www.StartupWorldCup.io/
View all ticket options for Africa Tech Festival, including start-up passes, here (https://apo-opa.info/3Q04o2r)
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Tech Festival.
For media enquiries, interviews and/or images please contact:
Kaz Henderson kaz@networxpr.co.za or call on +27 (0) 82 339 1199
Social Media Handles:
Facebook: https://apo-opa.info/3S47ALC
Twitter: https://apo-opa.info/3EZ7RYB
LinkedIn: https://apo-opa.info/3EcywR6
About Startup World Cup:
Startup World Cup is a global conference and competition with the goal of bridging start-up ecosystems worldwide. The competition gives start-up companies from all over the world a chance to win a US $1,000,000 prize in the form of an investment. This year, there will be 50+ regional events across North America, South America, Europe, Africa, and Asia, leading up to the Grand Finale in San Francisco in September. Startup World Cup is organized by Pegasus Tech Ventures, a Silicon Valley-based global venture capital firm.
About Africa Tech Festival 2023:
Africa Tech Festival, including anchor events AfricaCom, AfricaTech and AfricaIgnite is part of the Informa Tech Connecting Africa event series. A vibrant celebration of Africa's diverse community of tech champions, Africa Tech Festival is the largest tech and digital connectivity conference and exhibition in Africa, attracting hundreds of exhibitors, more than 400 speakers and more than 15000 delegates.
Key themes for 2023 continue to explore the creation and sustainability of a connected Africa and the impact this can have for the people of the continent but also the commercial prospects for local and global businesses and governments. Topics will include Telcos of Tomorrow, Connecting the Next Billion, Digital Infrastructure Investment, Sustainability & Climate Resilience, ICT Policy and Regulation, Fintech & MFS, Broadcast Media & Entertainment, Pioneer Tech, the Future of Work and Talent and Skills Development. Africa Tech Festival also incorporates the Africa Tech Festival Awards, an exclusive ceremony celebrating Africa's tech pioneers and held at the luxury 5-star The Bay Hotel, as well as the LeadersIn Africa Summit, an exclusive, VIP-only feature offering high-level presentations and roundtable discussions to Africa's tech elite.
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