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In our digitally connected world, a robust and reliable network is more than just a luxury—it’s a necessity. Your home cinema, security system, and even smart home devices require a strong and secure network to operate seamlessly. Let’s take a closer look at the brands that are shaping the future of home networking and connectivity …
When it comes to decking out your home with the latest technology, there are some brands that defy categorisation. They offer a unique range of products that can enhance your experience in ways you didn’t even know were possible. Let’s dive into some of these brands to discover what sets them apart. Lyngdorf: For the …
As part of the SME Matters series, co-hosted by Business Day and Nedbank, panellists unpacked what Covid-19 taught them about surviving in an uncertain world. The panellists were Alan Shannon, Executive of Small Business Services and Private Clients at Nedbank, Raghmah Solomon, founder of Vortex Design Solutions, a design and project manager company, and Greg …
Decisive actions needed for prosperous, sustainable economies
Governments must take “decisive and intentional actions” to steer their countries to economic prosperity as the world enters a period of low growth.
This is the word from Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana who was delivering the opening address at the BRICS Infrastructure Investment Symposium on Thursday.
“At a time when the global economy is gradually recovering from multiple adverse shocks, the International Monetary Fund in its April 2023 World Economic Outlook warns that the world is entering a perilous phase during which economic growth is expected to remain low by historical standards and the downside risks dominate.
“The warning by the Fund and the elevated risks calls for decisive and intentional actions if we are to steer economies towards a prosperous, sustainable and inclusive economy. For our part as BRICS countries, we are committed to leveraging infrastructure investments to do this. And as important contributors to the faster growth projected in emerging market and development economies, we remain open for investment,” Godongwana said.
The Minister said in this regard, infrastructure investments form a key part of how economic recovery can be realised.
“It is when investments are made that a partnership towards an equitable just transition, strengthening of the post-pandemic growth, support to socio-economic development and the attainment of the SDG 2030 Agenda priorities will be realised.
“Infrastructure investments benefit everyone – for the economy, it is about growth and development, for citizens about access to social services, for investors a return on investment, for industry the ability to operate and compete, for job seekers employment opportunities, and for the marginalised, inclusivity. This is the reason why we are focused on stimulating investment,” he said.
Godongwana highlighted that although investment in infrastructure development is also a key factor, the “constrained fiscal position of many emerging market and developing economies mean that their abilities to fund much of their infrastructure investments is limited”.
“However, the development and delivery of infrastructure ought not to depend on the availability of public resources, both financial and non-financial. The OECD [Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development] estimates that US$80 trillion of long-term investor asset base can be unlocked for infrastructure development.
“We know that infrastructure investments offer stable, attractive and long term returns and cashflows for investors. For this reason, while the financing gap is seemingly large, through greater collaboration and effective partnerships, the gap can be closed. The question is how?
“It is well known that despite increased efforts to mobilise private investment for infrastructure in emerging markets, the uptake has been relatively slow. Thus, the Symposium is focused on measures needed to promote the uptake of private capital in achieving the infrastructure agendas and plans of the BRICS countries,” he said.
The Minister called on the symposium to not only collectively find solutions to economic challenges but to also “go fast because there are significant opportunity costs associated with the status quo”.
“We must also think strategically, laterally and pragmatically because the BRICS countries' infrastructure agendas are ambitious. And to advance these, scale, innovation and sustainability must be at the centre.
“As for governments and officials, we undertake to keep an open mind in these engagements. We will review and strengthen our regulatory systems and processes, earnestly consider alternative approaches proposed to increase the pace of infrastructure development and delivery, and build our capacity and capability.
“We know that without these critical enablers, our quest to create opportunities for mutually accelerated growth and sustainable development is unachievable,” Godongwana said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Thu, 09/28/2023 - 15:17
Pandor pays tribute to the late Aziz Pahad
International Relations and Cooperation Minister, Dr Naledi Pandor, says Aziz Pahad will be remembered for his outstanding contribution to the fight against apartheid and life-long commitment to the promotion of human rights on the international stage.
Pahad passed away on Wednesday evening at the age of 82.
Pahad served as the Deputy Minister of the then Department of Foreign Affairs - now the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) from 1994 to 2008.
“In this role, Pahad became one of the first people at the forefront of establishing relations with the international community after many countries had severed ties with South Africa during the apartheid years,” the department said.
The department described the former Deputy Minister as a fierce proponent of an independent foreign policy for South Africa.
“He was a principled champion for human rights, especially the oppressed and marginalised people. From Palestine to Western Sahara, he spoke for the voiceless and was unwavering in his implementation of South Africa's foreign policy, which recognises the right to self-determination of the aforementioned peoples.”
In April 2021, the University of Pretoria conferred him an honorary doctorate in Literature for his “contributions to local and international peace, security, justice and international solidarity”.
The university said: “Pahad’s contributions and approach to diplomacy bring strong moral convictions, careful judgement and, above all, a quiet, influential determination in the search for solutions to South Africa’s challenges”.
Years after relinquishing his role in government, Pahad remained active in civic affairs.
In 2018, he chaired the Foreign Policy Review Panel appointed by Minister Lindiwe Sisulu.
“As a result of the report, DIRCO initiated a number of changes aimed at enhancing the implementation of South Africa's foreign policy.”
Post-retirement, Pahad also maintained close ties with those pursuing the Palestinian and Saharawi causes.
“These were causes he would remain dear to, for as long as he lived.”
At the Ubuntu Awards organised by DIRCO early this year, Pahad was awarded the OR Tambo Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his contribution to a South Africa that is free and democratic and a world that is fair and just.
“On behalf of all South African diplomats at home and abroad, and all freedom-loving people of the world, we pass our deepest condolences to the Pahad family.
“May the indomitable spirit of Pahad continue to guide our country as we continue the search for a better South Africa and a better world.” – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Thu, 09/28/2023 - 15:50
A home cinema can provide an unparalleled entertainment experience right in the comfort of your own home. From the visceral thrill of an action-packed movie to the intimate setting of a dramatic film, the right home cinema setup can make all the difference. In this guide, we’ll explore some of the brands that are pushing …
Food security remains a global challenge, and within the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) geography, this security is beset by local challenges and the adverse impacts of climate change. To address these pressing issues and pave the way for a more sustainable and secure food future, Bontera is set to take centre stage at the …
The Earthshot Prize has announced the 15 Finalists for this year's Prize at the second Earthshot Innovation Summit (https://apo-opa.info/3ZCnC1i), an event held alongside the UN General Assembly, in partnership with Bloomberg Philanthropies, to celebrate and champion innovators focused on solving our most pressing global climate challenges.
Out of over 1,100 nominations, the 15 Finalists for The Earthshot Prize stood out following a rigorous evaluation process conducted by a panel of scientific, academic, and subject-matter experts. Each of these Finalists stands a chance to win one of the five £1 million prizes designed to propel their initiatives towards greater impact. The unveiling of the five Winners will take place at the third annual Earthshot Prize awards ceremony scheduled later this year in Singapore.
Furthermore, all the Finalists will benefit from invaluable mentorship, resources, and technical support through The Earthshot Prize Fellowship Programme. This program will also provide them with access to a robust network of influential businesses, investors, and climate experts.
The Earthshot Prize revolves around five transformative 'Earthshots,' each embodying simple yet ambitious goals that represent the world we aspire to build for future generations.
In the spirit of celebrating African innovation, we are proud to highlight two remarkable finalists from the continent: Freetown the Tree Town representing Sierra Leone and ABALOBI from South Africa.
These African finalists come after Mukuru Clean Stoves, a start-up providing cleaner-burning stoves to women in Kenya to reduce unhealthy indoor pollution and provide a safer way to cook, won the coveted environmental prize during the inspirational awards ceremony hosted in Boston last year.
Freetown the Tree Town is a visionary initiative aimed at reforesting landscapes, restoring the degraded coastline of Freetown, and creating sustainable green jobs. The project meticulously tracks newly planted trees, assigning them to local tree guardians, and publicly documenting their growth, resulting in an impressively high survival rate for newly planted trees.
ABALOBI, on the other hand, is a community-centric mobile application supporting small-scale fishers in their quest for sustainable fishing practices while preventing the overfishing of at-risk species. It also enhances boat and fisher safety by providing real-time weather warnings and tracking capabilities. The initiative has already expanded its reach beyond South Africa, directly benefiting over 1,600 fishers with a substantial increase in revenue due to better access to profitable markets for sustainable species.
"We are immensely proud to see African innovation shining on the global stage through the Earthshot Prize. At MultiChoice, as a proudly African organization, we believe in the power of homegrown solutions to address the world's most pressing challenges. These African finalists exemplify that spirit, and we salute their remarkable efforts in safeguarding our planet for future generations,” says Keabetswe Modimoeng, Group Executive at MultiChoice Group.
By participating in this prestigious prize, African innovators gain a platform to showcase their solutions, inspire corporate entities to join the fight against climate change, and urge governments to prioritize climate action on their national agendas.
In addition to the chance to win the £1 million prize, all Finalists will receive tailored support and resources from The Earthshot Prize Global Alliance Members, an unprecedented network of private sector businesses worldwide dedicated to scaling innovative climate and environmental solutions to maximize their impact.
The five Winners will be carefully selected by The Earthshot Prize Council, a diverse team of influential individuals committed to leveraging their platforms to champion inspiring leadership and elevate urgent efforts to restore and regenerate our planet.
The Earthshot Prize is a truly global initiative, bringing together a diverse coalition of nominators from over 200 individuals and organizations worldwide. It encompasses a distinguished Expert Advisory Panel and The Earthshot Prize Council, comprising influential figures who wholeheartedly support positive environmental action.
The fifteen Finalists have earned their place through rigorous assessment and their potential to make a game-changing impact on a global scale, all while contributing positively to people, communities, and the natural world.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of MultiChoice Group.
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About MultiChoice Group:
MultiChoice Group (MCG), which was 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 to 23.5m households across 50 countries on the African continent. Its track record of more than 30 years is reflective of a commitment to providing audiences with only the best local, sports 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.
About The Earthshot Prize:
Founded by Prince William and incubated in 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 catalyze 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. For more information about The Earthshot Prize, visit: www.EarthshotPrize.org.
When it comes to home security, gone are the days of simple locks and keys. The advent of smart home technology has revolutionized the way we protect our homes, offering smarter, more effective solutions. Surveillance and security systems are now advanced enough to offer real-time alerts, remote monitoring, and even climate-sensitive features. In this guide, …
By Jaco Minnaar, CEO of The Houghton Hotel, Spa, Wellness and Golf For hotel operators in South Africa, Tourism Month represents a unique business opportunity with the potential for substantial growth and sustainability. Jaco Minnaar, CEO of The Houghton Hotel, Spa, Wellness and Golf in Johannesburg, shares a heartening perspective on the state of tourism …
South Africa’s booming tourism industry is poised for long term success South Africa’s tourism industry has emerged strongly from the effects of the pandemic. Within the next 10 years, the sector is expected to contribute 800,000 jobs and R287 billion to the national economy. Furthermore, according to the Department of Tourism, the country hosted more …
Smart homes are the future of living, offering a new level of convenience and control that was unimaginable a decade ago. With advancements in technology, creating a smart home is more accessible than ever. But what exactly is a smart home, and why is it becoming a must-have? What Is a Smart Home? A smart …
With the aim of advancing dialogue around Africa's critical mineral opportunities and fostering new deals, the upcoming Critical Minerals Africa (CMA) summit (www.CriticalMineralsAfrica.com) will feature a strong slate of technical presentations delivered by thought-leaders and industry experts.
The technical presentations will address the most prominent challenges impacting industry growth, with speakers providing insight into sustainable solutions, capital and technology prospects and how the continent can create the mineral value chains of the future. The event takes place from 17 to 19 October 2023 at the Cape Town International Convention Center and runs concurrently with Africa's largest energy event, African Energy Week (AEW).
During the conference, presentations will be delivered under the theme Promoting Sustainable Partnerships, Policies and Projects in Raw Materials and Strengthening Global Critical Mineral Supply Chains.
Presentations include:
As global interest in Africa's critical minerals grows, the CMA 2023 technical presentations will support decision-making by providing stakeholders with the insight they need to make informed investments. Under the broader event theme of Establishing the Critical Mineral Value Chains of the Future, the presentations delve into the complexities of the industry and the strategic role Africa plays in supplying the global market.
CMA and AEW (October 16-20) are poised to host over 5,000 combined delegates, who will have the opportunity to participate in country spotlights, investor roundtables and in-focus sessions on the energy transition, energy security, resource supply chains and new technologies.
Organized by Energy Capital & Power, Africa's premier investment platform for the energy sector, the much-anticipated global summit for African critical minerals will bring together a diverse group of global investors, energy and mining professionals, project operators and government leaders during a pivotal moment for the continent's energy and mining industries.
CMA 2023 represents the official dealmaking space for the industry and stands at the intersection of the energy and mining sectors in Africa. Since the launch, CMA has seen significant interest by global investors and buyers, all of which are looking at signing deals in Africa's mineral space. The program is filling up fast, and mineral, energy, technology and finance leaders are encouraged to secure their pass before the summit fills up.
Get involved at the CMA 2023 summit as a speaker, panelist, presenter, sponsor or exhibitor. For more information, visit www.CriticalMineralsAfrica.com or contact james@energycapitalpower.com
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.
AUTO24.africa redefining automotive retail across the continent offering unparalleled and exclusive services; AUTO24 is a subsidiary of Africar Group in which Stellantis (www.Stellantis.com/en) has a controlling stake; This expansion positions the platform to become the continent's number one multi-brand retailer for used cars; Stellantis, continues to back the platform on its ambitious journey.
AUTO24.africa, an innovative pre-owned car marketplace, announced its expansion into four new African markets: Morocco, Rwanda, Senegal and South Africa. This move comes after a remarkably successful first year in Ivory Coast and positions the platform to become the continent's number one multi-brand retailer for used cars. Following last year's investment from Stellantis, AUTO24.africa is revolutionizing the African automotive sector with first-of-its-kind customer offerings.
AUTO24.africa offers unparalleled and exclusive services, including a five-day refund policy, a six-month warranty, one-year maintenance, and one-year insurance plans for all vehicles. The platform also provides convenient financing options in association with several partners. These benefits are a first in many African countries and redefine the standard for car ownership across the continent.
Stellantis, as main investor, continues to back AUTO24.africa in its ambitious journey which is perfectly aligns with Stellantis' strategic plan DARE FORWARD 2030 by participating to expanded of our offer of mobility solutions to widely meet the customer needs in Africa.
Africar Group, the parent company of AUTO24.africa, has been a pioneer in online automotive classifieds in Sub-Saharan Africa since its founding in Australia in 2016. The company leverages cutting-edge technology to offer seamless digital experiences that meet the unique needs of the African market.
This year's expansion is a part of AUTO24.africa's long-term vision to become the leading multi-brand certified pre-owned car retailer in Africa. The platform aims to introduce even more features and capabilities that will further elevate the automotive buying and selling experience, all with trust and transparency.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Stellantis.
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About Stellantis:
Stellantis N.V. (NYSE: STLA / Euronext Milan: STLAM / Euronext Paris: STLAP) is one of the world's leading automakers and a mobility provider. Its storied and iconic brands embody the passion of their visionary founders and today's customers in their innovative products and services, including Abarth, Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Citroën, Dodge, DS Automobiles, Fiat, Jeep®, Lancia, Maserati, Opel, Peugeot, Ram, Vauxhall, Free2move and Leasys. Powered by our diversity, we lead the way the world moves – aspiring to become the greatest sustainable mobility tech company, not the biggest, while creating added value for all stakeholders as well as the communities in which it operates. For more information, visit www.Stellantis.com.
About Africar Group:
Africar Group Pty Ltd is an Australian entity, owning, operating and growing the largest network of automotive marketplaces in Africa. Available in more than 45 countries, and covering markets totalling more than 1 billion people, it has been helping millions of buyers and sellers of pre-owned vehicles to transact safer and easier over the last 5 years. Africar Group is a venture initiated by Emerging Classifieds Ventures (www.ECV.Ventures), specialising in building and operating marketplaces in emerging markets. For more information, visit www.AfricarGroup.com
In the dynamic landscape of commerce, the tools businesses use to facilitate transactions play a pivotal role in shaping customer experiences. Traditional cash registers and bulky payment terminals are gradually making way for more agile, efficient, and user-friendly solutions. Enter the mobile POS system. Why Mobile POS Systems are Revolutionizing Commerce Portability and …
In the digital age, software development stands as one of the most sought-after careers. South Africa, with its burgeoning tech industry, is no exception. For those aspiring to dive into this dynamic field, understanding the academic prerequisites can be a game-changer. Embarking on the Software Development Journey Choosing a career in software development is …
The digital transformation wave has ushered in a plethora of tools and platforms designed to streamline operations, enhance efficiency, and foster innovation. At the forefront of this revolution is Amazon Web Services (AWS). With its vast array of services, AWS has become an indispensable tool for businesses worldwide. One of its standout offerings is the …
In today’s rapidly evolving world, the management of waste is becoming increasingly vital. Proper waste management not only aids in maintaining a clean and sustainable environment but also contributes to conserving resources and reducing pollution. Several waste management options are available to meet these objectives, including recycling solutions, waste removal, rubble removal, and skip hire. …
Private sector needed to step in on transmission expansion
Eskom’s transmission expansion and strengthening will require a “considerable amount of resources” that will require government and the private sector to work together.
This is according to Minister in the Presidency for Electricity, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, when he was briefing media on the progress of the Energy Action Plan.
“We are looking to tap into the liquidity that is available from the private sector to allow us an opportunity to expand the grid so that we are able to accommodate the renewable energy solutions that have been rolled out in the country, and a number of them have not been connected to the grid as a result of the constraint on the transmission side.
“The transmission expansion and strengthening exercise will require a considerable amount of resources and we know that the Eskom balance sheet is constrained and we know that the sovereign matrix has deteriorated, so it’s important that we explore opportunities for the country to tap into the liquidity that is sitting with the private sector,” the Minister said on Tuesday.
He said government is “doing everything possible” to engage the private sector on what will attract more investment in transmission.
“We don’t want to repeat the same mistakes that have been committed on the generation side, where we kicked the can down the road and we just thought that the private sector on its own will come into the space and resolve the issues of generation capacity constraints.
“What we know is that the State must be a very active participant in that space and that’s why we are doing everything possible to create those conditions. For us to create those conditions, it is necessary upfront, to have an appreciation and understanding from the private sector what are some of those… conditionalities that in their own view will make it possible for them to be able to finance,” he said.
Maintenance of power stations
Turning to planned maintenance of power stations, Minister Ramokgopa said Eskom will continue to carry this out on generating units.
“We will continue relentlessly with our efforts to ensure that planned maintenance gets to be executed. The intention is to make sure that everything possible is done to address the issues around the possibility of these units failing, going into the future.
“Therefore, planned maintenance is something that receives our attention and we are going to be diligent in ensuring that we are able to execute planned maintenance so that we are able to derive the benefit going into the future…” he said.
On Eskom’s Unplanned Capacity Loss Factor [UCLF], progress was recorded from the week 18 – 22 September.
“[The UCLF] averaged about 13 751MW and… we are now beginning to be consistently below 15 000MW.
“We are striving to go even below 13 000MW to ensure that we have as many megawatts available because once we reduce the [UCLF], those megawatts get to be added to the available capacity and they are also able to defray the intensity of planned maintenance.
“That’s why there’s no reason, as a result of this exercise of reducing the [UCLF], for us to further intensify load shedding to levels that are unacceptable. Of course, load shedding by definition is unacceptable,” he said.
Load shedding
The Minister also reflected on the lower stages of load shedding over the long weekend and the uptick in load shedding stages announced by Eskom on Monday.
“It came back yesterday on account of a number of reasons, including the challenges that we are experiencing in the Western Cape as a result of the weather conditions there. Palmiet [power station] was a big casualty of those conditions and we were unable to exploit Palmiet, our pump station there.
“On account of the inclement weather in the Western Cape and the Eastern Cape and our desire to make sure that we are able to support the efforts of the… emergency people to address and respond to the challenges that are associated with the… storms that have been experienced there, a decision was taken by Eskom to say that those areas, because of the difficulties that they are experiencing, will be exempt from load shedding and then the rest of the country will carry the load,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Tue, 09/26/2023 - 15:06
Piwigo – Ctrl Refresh Images Don’t Load Problem Solved How Did We Get From’ “My Damn Pages Don’t Load” to “Look- A Hyena With A Giraffe Leg”? One of the most recommended open source Photo Imaging Content Management Systems is Piwigo. On my Piwigo installation at Straton.org.za I kept experiencing a minor niggle which became …
Introduction: In a world where sustainability and durability are becoming increasingly important, heavy-duty plastic chairs, plastic party chairs, and 240-litre wheelie bins have emerged as practical and versatile solutions. These seemingly mundane objects play crucial roles in our daily lives, offering convenience, reliability, and sustainability. Let’s delve into the world of these three indispensable items …
Pretoria’s Premier Arborist Offers Comprehensive Tree Felling, Stump Grinding, and Emergency Tree Removal Services Pretoria, 22 September 2023 – Super Green Tree Felling Pretoria, a renowned arborist and family tree specialist in the region, is pleased to announce its comprehensive range of services, including emergency tree felling, stump grinding, and tree pruning, ensuring the safety …
The population of black rhinos declined dramatically in the 20th century at the hands of European hunters and settlers. Between 1960 and 1995, black rhino numbers dropped by a sobering 98%, to less than 2,500 individuals. Since then, the species has made a tremendous comeback from the brink of extinction. Thanks to persistent conservation efforts across Africa, black rhino numbers have doubled from their historic low 20 years ago to more than 6,000 today. However, the black rhino is still considered critically endangered, and a lot of work remains to bring their population up to even a fraction of what it once was—and to ensure that it stays there. Wildlife crime—in this case, poaching of rhinos for the illegal international market for their horns—continues to plague the species and threaten its recovery.
The Namibian government and its partners in conservation, including communal conservancies have been at the cutting edge of efforts to relocate, protect and expand the range of rhinos in the country. While the threat of poaching persists, the impact of these efforts is dramatic. Namibia is now home to the largest population of black rhino left on earth.
TACKLING WILDLIFE CRIME
Poaching remains the deadliest and most urgent threat to black rhinos. WWF is working with government agencies, local communities and other partners in Namibia, Kenya, and South Africa to support law enforcement agencies, develop and build on innovative tech solutions, and equip and train rangers to stop poachers.
In Namibia, WWF, with support from the USAID funded Combatting Wildlife Crime Project and INL projects, is working across sectors, agencies, and borders to help implement the country's ambitious law enforcement strategy to combat wildlife trafficking. WWF also supports the Namibian government in the implementation of its national black rhino strategy, in part by moving rhinos from parks with significant populations to other areas that historically held rhinos but currently do not—a process known as translocation. WWF is also working with the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism and other conservation partners to protect both black and white rhinos, including the maintenance of a comprehensive DNA databank used for forensic investigations and research, and the use of sniffer dogs.
PROTECTING AND MANAGING KEY POPULATIONS
WWF supports aerial population surveys at key sites such as Etosha National Park in Namibia. The surveys are critical for evaluating breeding success, deterring poachers, and monitoring rhino mortality. WWF is also working with partners to develop and implement cutting-edge technologies in range states to closely monitor key populations. When paired with boots-on-the-ground, innovative solutions like electronic identification and tracking tags, radio and satellite collars, night vision cameras, and camera traps provide critical data that is used to make important decisions for black rhino populations going forward.
COMMUNITY-BASED CONSERVATION
Namibia was the first African country to incorporate protection of the environment into its constitution. In 1996, the new Namibian government granted communities the right to create conservancies — areas with defined borders and governance and management structures outside of parks — where communities have the right to manage and benefit from their natural resources. With long-term support from IRDNC, NNF, SRT, WWF and other NACSO partners, robust conservation efforts including community game guards, monitoring, community engagement campaigns, partnerships between the communities and private sector tourism, and translocation projects, which relocate species into new habitats so that they have more space to breed, have made enriched landscapes and lives in rural Namibia.
On World Rhino Day, we join our Namibian partners in recognizing their efforts to protect black rhinos – against tremendous odds. Not only does Namibia have the largest population of black rhinos in the world, but communal conservancies have allowed rhinos to roam free, outside of national parks. These communal conservancies—working with the government, nonprofit organizations and others—have restored populations of black rhinos, creating a rhino-based economy that benefits both people and wildlife!
For more information on WWF Programs in Namibia, visit https://www.wwfnamibia.org.
For more information on U.S. global climate and environmental priorities, visit Climate and Environment – United States Department of State.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of U.S. Embassy in Namibia.
Tshepo Kgobe appointed new Gautrain CEO
Gauteng MEC for Transport and Logistics, Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, has announced the appointment of Tshepo Kgobe as the next Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Gautrain Management Agency (GMA), with effect from 1 February 2024.
The incumbent, William Dachs, will step down at the end of his tenure on 31 January 2024.
“On behalf of the Gauteng Provincial Executive, GMA Board, and the Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport, we congratulate Tshepo Kgobe on his appointment.
“We believe his strong leadership will help steer GMA to greater heights, maintain its standards of excellence, innovation and good governance, and cement its position as a Centre of Excellence in the rail and public transport sector,” said Diale-Tlabela.
Kgobe is an engineer with diverse technical expertise in infrastructure, energy, mining and the railway environment.
According to the provincial department, he has extensive experience managing complex projects and operations.
“At the start of the Gautrain project, he was responsible for the engineering and project management of the track work subsystem.”
He joined the GMA in 2014 as the Senior Executive Manager responsible for the Technical Services Unit and was appointed Chief Operating Officer in 2020.
The department noted Kgobe's contribution to a number of novel and visionary ideas at the agency, He was part of a senior leadership team that ensured that the GMA delivered innovative and smart mobility solutions for the province.
The MEC further thanked the outgoing CEO for his relentless commitment to excellence.
“He navigated the agency through the COVID-19 pandemic and led train ridership recovery post-lockdown while maintaining Gautrain’s world-class service,” Diale-Tlabela said.
The MEC also welcomed new Gautrain Management Agency Board members, effective from 1 January 2024.
These include Mfanelo Patrick Ntsobi, who will be the Chairperson, and Deputy Chairperson Malebo Matolong.
The other members are Tebogo Nancy Seale, Lungile Mtiya, Mamela Luthuli, Desmond Khalid Golding, Kgotso Maja, Irvin Bafana Sibisi and Bongisizwe Mpondo. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Fri, 09/22/2023 - 10:27