South Africa

5 June 2024

Eco (Atlantic) Farms into South Africa’s Block 1 Amid Slate of Orange Basin Discoveries

Oil and gas exploration company Eco (Atlantic) – through its wholly-owned subsidiary Azinam South Africa – has signed a farm-in deal with energy company Tosaco Energy for a 75% working interest in Block 1 - located in the offshore South African Orange Basin. Eco (Atlantic) has assumed operatorship of the block, with the remaining 25% stake expected to be transferred to South African company OrangeBasin Oil & Gas. Upon completion of the transaction, Eco (Atlantic) will assume control of one of the largest blocks in the Orange Basin.

The African Energy Chamber (AEC) – representing the voice of the African energy sector – believes that this transaction is only the start of a wave of Orange Basin deals in the coming years. Having revealed substantial deposits in neighboring Namibia, the basin stands to play a catalyzing role in driving energy security in South Africa. The AEC commends the efforts by Eco (Atlantic) to unlock undeveloped blocks offshore South Africa and looks forward to a discovery being made in the coming years.

The strategic acquisition is on trend with a strong lineup of companies looking at tapping into the Orange Basin. Since play-opening discoveries were made by energy majors Shell, TotalEnergies and Qatar Energy in 2022, over 15 finds have been made by an assortment of majors and independents. In February 2024, TotalEnergies intersected hydrocarbon-bearing intervals in the Mangetti-1X exploration well in Block 2913B – marking the second discovery made by the company in the basin. TotalEnergies is currently leveraging the Tungsten Explorer drillship to assess reserves available at the well. The discovery followed the company's Venus-1X find made in February 2022. Research firm Wood Mackenzie estimates that Venus alone could hold as much as three billion barrels of oil – making it sub-Saharan Africa's largest oil discovery.

Additionally, in January 2024, multinational energy corporation Galp made its second oil discovery at the Mopane-1X well in PEL 83. Preliminary estimates place over 10 billion barrels of oil at the Mopane field. The company is currently seeking a farm-in partner to develop the block, with a 40% stake in the Mopane discovery up for grabs. Meanwhile, energy major Shell continues to witness a string of success, with its recent Lesedi-1X well – discovered in July 2023 – representing the fourth commercial discovery made by the firm in the Orange Basin. Other finds – namely, Graff-1X, La Rona and Jonker-1X – hold as much as 1.7 billion barrels combined. Shell is currently undertaking an extensive drilling campaign, with up to 25% of the company's 2023-2024 exploration budget being directed towards deepwater exploration in the Orange Basin.

These discoveries underscore the size and potential of the Orange Basin, with substantial deposits likely extending into South Africa. Block 1 is located on the maritime border of South Africa and Namibia, in close proximity to blocks held by Shell, Galp and TotalEnergies. The block is also situated by the Kudu Development Project – Namibia's inaugural natural gas project with 1.3 trillion cubic feet of reserves. Kudu is poised to be a gamechanger for the country, providing low-cost power and fuel while laying the foundation for gas-driven economic growth. As such, Block 1's proximity means that the asset could likely yield similar developments and the Eco (Atlantic) acquisition is the first step towards realizing this goal.

“The Orange Basin has emerged as one of the most promising offshore plays worldwide in recent years. Exploratory success on the Namibian side of the basin shows strong potential for the South African side, and while exploration in this area has been slow to date, the recent farm-in by Eco (Atlantic) is poised to reverse this trend. The AEC has long-advocated for the need to advance drilling efforts in Africa and the Orange Basin stands to play a transformative role in the region's energy landscape,” stated NJ Ayuk, Executive Chaiman of the AEC. “We look forward to witnessing commercial success across Block 1 and commend Eco (Atlantic) for their commitment to unlocking the potential of this asset.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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5 June 2024

Driven to win – Chloe Stuart’s journey from a battery-operated car to the DOE Formula Vee

Location: MyPR

There appears to be no age barrier when it comes to the love of racing because at 18 months old, well before she could speak, Chloe Stuart was drifting in the battery-operated car her parents bought her. At age 7, she moved onto quad biking and vocalised her dream of wanting to race. Her dad, …

5 June 2024

The strength of democracy

Location: News

The strength of democracy

Many will be wondering how South Africa’s seventh democratic government will be constituted following the recent elections that resulted in no political party gaining an outright majority to lead the country for the next five years.

Citizens did their part in exercising their right to vote as pointed out by Section 19 of the Constitution which states that every adult citizen has the right to free, fair and regular elections.

The results of the seventh National and Provincial Elections released on Sunday showed that the African National Congress (ANC) garnered 159 seats in the 400-member National Assembly (NA), followed by the Democratic Alliance (DA) with 87 seats and the uMkhonto weSizwe party (MK party) with 58 seats.

This translates to the ANC having received 40.18 % of the votes followed by the DA with 21.81% and the MK with 14.58%.

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) garnered 39 seats while the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) got 17 and the Patriotic Alliance (PA) received nine seats.

Other political parties gained the other remaining seats in the House with between six, three, two, and single seats.

The distribution of seats in Parliament is proportional to the number of votes cast for the various parties.

The National Assembly Guide to Procedure 2004, states that the NA “is the House directly elected by the South African electorate” with the Constitution stating that the National Assembly must consist of no fewer than 350 and no more than 400 women and men elected as its members.

In August 2023, Deputy President Paul Mashatile, in his capacity as Leader of Government Business, convened a National Dialogue on Coalition Governments. The aim of the dialogue was to lay the foundation for a National Framework on Coalition Governments, which would serve as a guide for effectively managing and navigating coalition governments where they become necessary.

The Presidency said at the time that the need for such dialogue was informed by the adverse effects that had been observed in certain coalition arrangements at local government, particularly their impact on service delivery and governance.

But what exactly is a coalition government?

“A coalition government exists when two or more political parties (or independent representatives) combine their votes in a legislature or a council, to elect a government, and to support the decisions it takes. This becomes necessary when no single party has a majority of the seats in the legislature or council,” notes a National Dialogue on Coalition Governments Q and A subsection.

Elections in South Africa result in multiple parties being represented in Parliament, a provincial Legislature or a Municipal Council.

“And the executive leadership (President, Premiers and Mayors) is always elected by that legislature and can be removed by the Legislature. If none of the parties has more than 50% of the seats, a coalition is, therefore, necessary to support the executive. Otherwise, the President, Premier or Mayor is likely to be voted out of power,” the subsection further notes.

Government of national unity

South Africa is no stranger to coalitions having had one after the historic 1994 elections which resulted in a government of national unity (GNU).

In terms of the country’s then interim Constitution, the National Party and Inkatha Freedom Party participated in a government of national unity under President Nelson Mandela.

In 1994, the President was assisted by two Deputy Presidents, a Minister in The Presidency and 16 Ministers in the GNU which represented three political parties. In 1996 one political party exited the GNU, but maintained its official opposition status in the legislatures.

South Africa has also had coalitions at provincial level in the Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal.

There have been coalitions in municipalities, ever since the first democratic local government elections in 2000.

The will of the people

Speaking at the Electoral Commission’s Election Results ceremony at the Results Operation Centre in Midrand, President Cyril Ramaphosa said that by going to vote, the people of South Africa have taken responsibility not only for the future of themselves and their families, but for the future of their country.

“Through their votes they have demonstrated, clearly and plainly, that our democracy is strong, it is robust and it endures. Our people have spoken. As the leaders of political parties, as all those who occupy positions of responsibility in society, we have heard the voices of our people and we must respect their wishes,” he said on Sunday.

Meanwhile, Parliament is fully prepared, and all the necessary arrangements have been made for establishing the new National Assembly.

“Comprehensive plans are in place to ensure a seamless transition, including onboarding new Members of Parliament,” Parliamentary spokesperson, Moloto Mothapo said in a statement.

READ | Plans underway for establishment of the seventh democratic Parliament

With South Africa having regularly held elections since 1994, the 2024 National and Provincial Elections are an affirmation of the strength this democracy. - SAnews.gov.za

Neo
Wed, 06/05/2024 - 14:34

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5 June 2024

Call for Nominations for the 2024 Africa Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF) Awards

Location: Business

The Africa Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF) (www.AWIEForum.org) is thrilled to announce that nominations are officially open for the 2024 AWIEF Awards. This prestigious event celebrates the incredible achievements and contributions of women founders and entrepreneurs across Africa. The AWIEF Awards honor those who drive inclusive economic growth and development through their visionary leadership and innovative business practices.

AWIEF is a renowned pan-African organization dedicated to empowering women economically by closing gender gaps and promoting business leadership and entrepreneurship across the continent.

Why Nominate?

Nominees for the AWIEF Awards should be emerging and established female entrepreneurs who have demonstrated outstanding vision, leadership, innovation, and business success. This is your chance to shine a spotlight on the incredible women making a difference in their industries and communities.

Categories

Young Entrepreneur Award: For exceptional young female entrepreneurs (ages 18-35) who have built successful and sustainable enterprises.
Tech Entrepreneur Award: Celebrating women who have leveraged technology to drive innovation and achieve significant impact.
Agri Entrepreneur Award: Honoring leaders in agriculture who contribute to food security and environmental sustainability.
Creative Industry Award: Recognizing excellence in film, music, entertainment, arts, fashion, and media.
Empowerment Award: For women who have made a profound impact in mentoring and empowering others.
Energy Entrepreneur Award: Highlighting achievements in the oil, gas, and renewable energy sectors.
Social Entrepreneur Award: For those who have developed innovative solutions to social issues.
Lifetime Achievement Award: Honoring women who have made enduring contributions across multiple areas or disciplines.

Save the Date

The 2024 AWIEF Awards winners will be celebrated at a spectacular awards ceremony and gala dinner on November 29, 2024, at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC), Cape Town, South Africa. This event will cap off the AWIEF2024 conference, which takes place on November 28-29, 2024.

How to Nominate

Visit our nomination landing page (https://apo-opa.co/3x1CBrC).
Register an entrant profile by clicking “Submit an Entry.”
Fill in the nomination form.
Click submit.

Nominations close on August 5, 2024, at 11:59 PM GMT. You can nominate yourself or someone else.

Judging

Entries will be evaluated by an esteemed panel of international judges.

Join Us

This is your chance to be part of a movement that recognizes and celebrates the incredible women entrepreneurs transforming Africa. Let's honor those who lead with innovation, inspire with their achievements, and empower their communities.

For more details and to see past winners, click here (https://apo-opa.co/4e6SYno). For any inquiries, please email us at awards@awieforum.org

Don't miss this opportunity! Nominate now and be part of the change!

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF).

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5 June 2024

W&RSETA sends 86 graduates to China for a 12 months Internship and Entrepreneurship Programme.

Location: MyPR

The Wholesale and Retail Sector Education and Training Authority (W&RSETA) has partnered with the Chinese Culture Centre for an innovative internship and entrepreneurship programme. This initiative will see 86 TVET College graduates from 11 TVET Colleges across South Africa embarking on a 12-month training programme in China. The programme, which focuses on cross-border e-commerce and …

5 June 2024

BMA warns it will not tolerate illegal immigrants

Location: News

BMA warns it will not tolerate illegal immigrants

The Commissioner of the Border Management Authority (BMA), Dr Michael Masiapato, has issued a stern warning to travellers, who are in contravention of the Immigration Act of South Africa.

Last night, during a routine intelligence-driven operation, 25 travellers were intercepted and deported by the BMA Immigration officials at OR Tambo International Airport (ORTIA), who were trying to enter South Africa illegally.

Of those,13 Bangladeshis and three Pakistanis were found to be in possession of fake visitors’ visas. One Bangladeshi, a Nigerian, three Pakistanis and four Ghanaians failed to meet the relevant entry requirements on arrival.

These travellers were intercepted on flights from Bangladesh, Pakistan, Ghana and Nigeria, and they were deported back in accordance with the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) regulations.

The ICAO provides global standards for air transport operations and highlights that a person who has entered a state illegally or denied entry shall be returned to their country of origin by the respective airlines that brought them to South Africa and shall bear the costs of that particular travel.

ORTIA has been a target, with various travellers attempting to enter the country illegally.

This past Sunday, five Bangladeshis and five Ethiopians were intercepted in collaboration with the Airports Company South Africa (ACSA).

Masiapato commended the operations by BMA officials at ORTIA, saying that as the biggest and busiest airport in Africa, detection systems need to continue to be advanced.

“The outstanding efforts of our dedicated BMA immigration officers in successfully intercepting these travellers is commendable. With the BMA just one year in operation, this work exemplifies our unwavering commitment to safeguarding our borders and maintaining the integrity of our immigration laws.

“The diligence and professionalism displayed by our team have prevented potential security threats and upheld the rule of law.

“We will continue to enhance our capabilities and escalate cooperation with ACSA security as well as collaborate with international partners to address and combat such illicit activities effectively," Masiapato said.

ACSA Regional General Manager Jabulani Khambule has thanked and congratulated the BMA on these latest interceptions of illegal travellers, praising officials for their hard work and dedication to protecting South Africa’s ports of entry.

“These latest successful interceptions of illegal travellers by the BMA demonstrates the importance of our multi-agency safety and security approach throughout our environment to enhance airport and aviation security in general.

“The aviation security model that is vertically and horizontally integrated with various law enforcement authorities is important to root out criminality across our airports,” said Khambule.

As the third law enforcement authority responsible for five key functional areas of immigration, port health, environmental and agricultural biosecurity, including access control and the general law enforcement at the ports of entry and border law enforcement areas, the BMA has adopted a zero-tolerance approach to criminal or unlawful behaviour at all ports of entry.

The BMA will continue to intensify its operations with the deployment of an additional 400 Junior Border Guards, who have resumed duty on the 1st of June 2024 at various ports.

Travellers are warned to avoid attempting to enter South Africa illegally, as they will be caught by BMA officials. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Wed, 06/05/2024 - 12:10

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5 June 2024

From Trash To Treasure: Revolutionizing Wood Plastic Composite Decking With Recycled Pvc Bottles

Location: MyPR

What do a luxurious foam bath, a slice of toast with honey, and sunbathing on a swimming pool deck have in common? PVC bottle! Thanks to an innovative recycling initiative, post-consumer PVC bottles are being transformed into high-quality wood plastic composite decking, giving new life to plastic waste and benefiting the environment. “South African households …

5 June 2024

Radisson Hotel Group targets expansion to 25 hotels in South Africa by 2030, doubling its current portfolio

Location: Business

Radisson Hotel Group (www.RadissonHotels.com) is proud to announce its goal to reach 25 hotels in South Africa by 2030, effectively doubling its current portfolio. This ambitious expansion along with the Group's recent updates to its South African portfolio underscores its commitment to strengthening its presence and contributing to the growth of the South African hospitality industry.

Daniel Trappler, Senior Director of Development, Sub-Sahara Africa at Radisson Hotel Group, shared insights into the Group's strategic approach to reach its ambitious goal of 25 hotels by 2030, stating, "We are prioritizing, through either management or franchise models, conversions for quicker market entry and exploring strategic collaborations with existing management companies to increase our footprint, which presents the potential introduction of the Radisson Individuals brand to South Africa, an ideal first step for individual hotels with strong service scores who may be considering transitioning to one of our other successful core brands at a later stage. We are also seeking opportunities to expand our upper-upscale portfolio and enter the lifestyle luxury market in Cape Town with our Radisson Collection and art'otel brands, leveraging the city's strong tourism performance and our successful existing portfolio.”

Radisson Hotel Group has announced significant updates to its portfolio of operating hotels in South Africa, including:

The debut of its first Safari hotel in South Africa with the opening of Radisson Safari Hotel Hoedspruit:

In February Radisson Hotel Group announced the opening of Radisson Safari Hotel Hoedspruit (https://apo-opa.co/3Kwoqy0) its first Safari hotel and 13^th hotel in South Africa. This property offers a luxurious safari experience in the heart of South Africa's wildlife region, with premium amenities and exceptional service. Boasting majestic views of the Drakensberg mountains, the highest mountain range in Southern Africa, Radisson Safari Hotel Hoedspruit is surrounded by endless destination-immersing activities.

“Building on the success of our recently opened Radisson Safari Hotel Hoedspruit, we plan to expand into safari and leisure regions like the Kruger National Park and the world-renowned Winelands region surrounding Cape Town. Additionally, we are targeting secondary cities displaying strong hotel demand generators such as Bloemfontein, Pretoria, Durban, and East London, following our successes in Port Elizabeth and Polokwane. In addition, we are also exploring entry into smaller tertiary cities and towns if it aligns with our expansion strategy,” added Trappler.

Extensive Refurbishments at Radisson Blu Gautrain Hotel, Sandton Johannesburg and Radisson Blu Hotel Waterfront, Cape Town:

The Radisson Blu Gautrain Hotel, Sandton Johannesburg (www.RadissonHotels.com), is undergoing a significant renovation, with 60% of the hotel's rooms already completed, enhancing the overall guest experience. This extensive refurbishment features upgraded wooden flooring, stone countertops, local artworks, carefully crafted furniture, and technological upgrades like smart TVs and conveniently located USB ports. This two-phase refurbishment project has already completed its first phase, with each floor and corridor renovated to showcase a new level of contemporary luxury.

The Radisson Blu Hotel Waterfront, Cape Town (https://apo-opa.co/3Kvyebp) has announced its highly-anticipated refurbishment plans, reaffirming its commitment to offering guests world-class furnishings and contemporary interior design. Phase one is set to be completed by September 2024, with public Atrium and bedroom renovations expected in July 2024. An expert team of local and international designers has meticulously reviewed and handpicked the design, artwork, fabrics, and raw materials, ensuring an enhanced and stylish hospitality experience.

Rebranding of Park Inn Foreshore to Radisson Hotel Cape Town Foreshore:

In April, Radisson announced the rebranding of Park Inn Cape Town Foreshore to Radisson Hotel Cape Town Foreshore (https://apo-opa.co/3yVxYzK). This rebranding brings the renowned Radisson brand to South Africa's ‘Mother City'. Following an eight-month renovation, Radisson Hotel Cape Town Foreshore's120 rooms now boast a fresh and modern decor that creates a relaxing environment for guests as well as magnificent views of the prominent Table Mountain and the city center. The hotel now hosts South Africa's first Filini restaurant, offering fresh, simple, and delicious Italian-style cuisine with an interactive open-plan kitchen setting. Additionally, the vibrant Harald's Rooftop Bar & Terrace provides an ideal spot to unwind with uninterrupted views of Table Mountain and the cityscape, complete with a perfectly positioned plunge pool for a complete rooftop experience.

“These significant updates to our South African portfolio reaffirm our unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional hospitality experiences across the country. Our ongoing growth in the region underscore our position as a leading force in the South African hospitality industry. This is just the beginning of a series of exciting announcements for our South African portfolio and the unmatched experiences guests can expect from our hotels,” concluded Sandra Kneubuhler, Country Director of Sales and District Director, South Africa at Radisson Hotel Group.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Radisson Hotel Group.

Connect with Radisson Hotels on:
LinkedIn: https://apo-opa.co/3KrNeHc
Instagram: https://apo-opa.co/3Ku07R3
Twitter: https://apo-opa.co/4aNzAJg
Facebook: https://apo-opa.co/45hQsH2
YouTube: https://apo-opa.co/3Vq1zu6
TikTok: https://apo-opa.co/45hQuPa

About Radisson Hotel Group:
Radisson Hotel Group is an international hotel group, operating in EMEA and APAC with over 1,350 hotels in operation and under development in +95 countries. The international hotel group is rapidly expanding with a plan to significantly grow the portfolio. The Group's overarching brand promise is Every Moment Matters with a signature Yes I Can! service ethos.

The Radisson family of brands portfolio includes Radisson Collection, art'otel, Radisson Blu, Radisson, Radisson RED, Radisson Individuals, Park Plaza, Park Inn by Radisson, Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, and prizeotel brought together under one commercial umbrella brand Radisson Hotels.

Radisson Rewards (https://apo-opa.co/3Vu87Ij) is Radisson Hotel Group's loyalty program, which delivers an elevated experience that makes Every Moment Matter. As the most streamlined program in the sector, members enjoy exceptional advantages and can access their benefits from day one across a wide range of hotels in Europe, Middle East, Africa, and Asia Pacific.

Radisson Meetings (https://apo-opa.co/4aU1nHY) provides tailored solutions for any event or meeting, including hybrid solutions placing guests and their needs at the heart of its offer. Radisson Meetings is built around three strong service commitments: Personal, Professional and Memorable, while delivering on the brilliant basics and being uniquely 100% Carbon Neutral.

At Radisson Hotel Group we care for people, communities and planet (https://apo-opa.co/45hQA9u) and aim to be Net Zero by 2050 based on the approved near-term Science Based Targets. With unique solutions such as 100% carbon neutral Radisson Meetings, we make sustainable hotel stays easy. To facilitate sustainable travel choices, all our hotels are becoming verified on Hotel Sustainability Basics.

The health and safety of guests and team members remain a top priority for Radisson Hotel Group. All properties across the Group's portfolio are subject to health and safety requirements, ensuring we always care for our guests and team members.

For more information, visit our corporate website (https://apo-opa.co/45hQC16).

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5 June 2024

The key to banking value: Accessible benefits that encourage positive financial behaviour

Location: MyPR

In recent years, ‘value’ has become a buzzword in banking circles across the globe and many banks are searching for innovative ways to deliver meaningful value to their clients. Against this backdrop, Nedbank Premium Banking is setting a new standard by prioritising accessible value and promoting positive money management behaviour to empower clients to achieve …

5 June 2024

RS partners with Sharps Electrical to drive innovation and sustainable growth in Botswana

Location: Business

RS South Africa (www.Africa.RSdelivers.com), a trading brand of RS Group plc (LSE: RS1), a global provider of product and service solutions, has formed a strategic partnership with Sharps Electrical (http://apo-opa.co/3VtNc8b), a leading electrical wholesaler and contractor in Botswana. This collaboration marks a significant stride towards fostering innovation and sustainable growth in the Sub-Saharan African region.

Signed on 1 April, the partnership aims to leverage the strengths of both companies to deliver superior products and services to customers in the region. Prosper Shoniwa, Exports Business Development & Operational Manager at RS, highlights the importance of this collaboration: “This partnership is crucial for RS as it strengthens our presence in the Botswana market.”

He adds: “It aligns with our strategic goal of expanding in key regions to drive growth across Sub-Saharan Africa. By collaborating with Sharps Electrical, known for its reliability and consistency, we can ensure our products are more accessible to the market and offer robust aftersales support. We believe Sharps Electrical is the ideal partner to help us achieve our growth objectives.”

With over fifty years of operational excellence in Botswana, Sharps Electrical provides invaluable local market insights and proficiency. Jose Xavier, Operations Director at Sharps Electrical, expresses his excitement about the partnership: "Our aim is to diversify our product portfolio in conjunction with RS to advance our shared objective of expanding our market presence in Botswana. Together, we can introduce innovative products and foster collaborative efforts to deliver impactful supply and service solutions to our customers.”

The partnership will focus on selling and supporting the comprehensive product range that RS currently offers. This includes electrical components, tools, and advanced engineering solutions tailored to meet the specific needs of the Botswana market. Sharps Electrical will serve as the in-country point of contact for RS, ensuring customers have direct access to technical support and customer care.

By combining the strengths and expertise of both companies, the partnership aims to enhance the customer experience in Botswana. The collaboration will enable the provision of a wider range of high-quality products tailored to meet customer needs. Furthermore, investments in training and development initiatives will empower staff to deliver exceptional customer service, thereby nurturing local partnerships and enhancing logistical efficiency.

Shoniwa adds that the partnership is a significant step in RS' overall growth and expansion strategy. “It not only enhances our presence and operational capabilities in Africa but also presents significant advantages for Sharps Electrical.

“By establishing a local partnership in Botswana, RS aims to engage with customers more intimately, offering tailored support and fostering enduring relationships. This strategic move not only expands our geographical footprint but also ensures enhanced service delivery, crucial components of RS' strategy for sustainable growth and market penetration in new regions," concludes Shoniwa.

To learn more, visit the RS South Africa website.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of RS South Africa.

PR Contact Person - RS South Africa:
Princess Tlou
Communications & Content Specialist
RS South Africa
Princess.Tlou@rsgroup.com
+27 11 691 9366

Media Contact Person – NGAGE:
Thobile Ndlovu
PR Account Executive
thobile@ngage.co.za
+27 11 867 7763

Further information is available via these links:
LinkedIn: https://apo-opa.co/3KtqlD9
Facebook: https://apo-opa.co/3Reyj6S
Twitter: https://apo-opa.co/3yJPAP7

RS
RS is a trading brand of RS Group plc, providing product and service solutions that help our customers design, build, maintain, repair, and operate industrial equipment and operations, safely and sustainably. We stock more than 750,000 industrial and electronic products, sourced from over 2,500 leading suppliers, and provide a wide range of product and service solutions to 1.1 million customers.
We support customers across the product lifecycle, whether via innovation and technical support at the design phase, improving time to market and productivity at the build phase, or reducing purchasing costs and optimising inventory in the maintenance, repair, and operation phase. We offer our customers tailored product and service propositions that are essential for the successful operation of their businesses and help them save time and money.
RS Group plc is listed on the London Stock Exchange with stock ticker RS1 and in the year ended 31 March 2023 reported revenue of £2,982 million.

RS South Africa: http://apo-opa.co/3VthqIs
RS Africa Exports: http://apo-opa.co/3VtNbkD
DesignSpark: http://apo-opa.co/4bLhPeW
RS Group plc: http://apo-opa.co/4bIfGkj

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5 June 2024

Revolutionising Company Events with Motion Graphics

Location: MyPR

In the modern corporate world, events have transcended traditional formats, evolving into sophisticated experiences designed to engage, inform, and inspire. With increasing competition and heightened expectations, event organisers are leveraging innovative tools to ensure their events stand out. One such tool is motion graphics, a game-changer in the realm of company event management. This blog …

5 June 2024

Thousands of special needs learners still not placed at schools

Location: News

Parents of children with disabilities protested in May, demanding that government do more to help their children

4 June 2024

Stun grenades thrown at farm women outside Parliament

Location: News

200 women were marching to call for a ban of pesticides

4 June 2024

King Misuzulu kaZwelithini applauds credible elections

Location: News

King Misuzulu kaZwelithini applauds credible elections

King Misuzulu kaZwelithini has applauded the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) for ensuring that the elections were free, fair and credible.

“His Majesty commends all political parties for the peaceful manner in which they conducted themselves during the campaign and on Election Day,” Traditional Prime Minister to the Zulu Nation and Monarch Rev Thulasizwe Buthelezi said in a statement on Monday.

South Africans went to the polls on 29 May 2024 in the seventh democratic elections. A total of 16 248 027 citizens exercised their Constitutional right to vote.

The elections were declared free and fair by the Electoral Commission in a ceremony held to announce the official election results on Sunday.

The King called upon law enforcement agencies to deal firmly with those who seek to cause “instability and mayhem” in the aftermath of the election results.

“His Majesty instructs all izinduna in hostels around Gauteng and Durban to report any attempts aimed at instigating violence, instability and lawlessness.

“His Majesty is confident that all political leaders will commit themselves to respect the outcomes of the elections and to play their part in promoting peace, development, and stability,” Buthelezi said. - SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Tue, 06/04/2024 - 09:44

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4 June 2024

Gelant sets sights on another Sub-28 finish this time at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K

Location: MyPR

Fresh from winning his second national title in four weeks, Elroy Gelant has confirmed that he will line up at the iconic Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K on Sunday 7 July 2024. Lining up on a course that produced the SA All-Comers Record of 27:16 set by Uganda’s Joshua Cheptegei in 2018, Gelant knows …

4 June 2024

Rooibos has performance-boosting and healing properties for Comrades athletes

Location: MyPR

With intensive training underway for the Comrades Marathon on Sunday, 9 June 2024, athletes need to retain optimum health before, during, and after The Ultimate Human Race. The good news is that athletes competing in South Africa’s biggest event on the running calendar can seek restoration from a truly South African source – Rooibos tea. …

4 June 2024

Here is my First Music Experience, Do You Remember Yours?

Location: Entertainment, MyPR

Music has the ability to strike feelings of emotion and take us back to a time in our lives. We all have that playlist of songs or an album to help us go through our emotions as a copping mechanism. Can you remember the first time you heard music? for most of us it probably …

4 June 2024

SA GDP decreases by 0.1%

Location: News

SA GDP decreases by 0.1%

The results of the Gross domestic product (GDP) by Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) show a decrease of 0.1% in the first quarter of 2024.

“The manufacturing industry decreased by 1.4% in the first quarter of 2024, contributing -0.2 of percentage point to the negative GDP growth. Five of the ten manufacturing divisions reported negative growth rates in the first quarter,” Stats SA said on Tuesday.

The motor vehicles, parts and accessories and other transport equipment division and the basic iron and steel, non-ferrous metal products, metal products and machinery division made the largest negative contributions to the decrease in the first quarter.

“The mining and quarrying industry decreased by 2.3% in the first quarter, contributing -0.1 of a percentage point. Decreased economic activities were reported for platinum group metals (PGMs), coal, gold and manganese ore. The construction industry decreased by 3.1% in the first quarter, contributing -0.1 of a percentage point,” Stats SA said.

Decreases were reported for residential buildings and construction works.

The agriculture, forestry and fishing industry increased by 13.5% in the first quarter of 2024, contributing 0.3 of a percentage point.

This was primarily due to increased economic activities reported for horticulture products.

Expenditure on GDP

Meanwhile, expenditure on real GDP decreased by 0.2% in the first quarter of 2024.

“Expenditure on real gross domestic product decreased by 0.2% in the first quarter of 2024, following an increase of 0.3% in the fourth quarter of 2023.

“Household final consumption expenditure decreased by 0.3% in the first quarter of 2024, contributing -0.2 of a percentage point to the total negative growth. Decreases were reported for durable goods, semi durable goods and services,” Stats SA said.

The main negative contributors to the decrease in Household Final Consumption Expenditure (HFCE) were expenditures on clothing and footwear (-7.0 and contributing -0.4 of a percentage point), transport (-1.3% and contributing -0.2 of a percentage point) and the ‘other’ category (-1.3% and contributing -0.2 of a percentage point).

“Final consumption expenditure by general government decreased by 0.3% in the first quarter, contributing -0.1 of a percentage point. This was mainly driven by decreases in purchases of goods and services and compensation of employees. Total gross fixed capital formation decreased by 1.8% in the first quarter of 2024, contributing -0.3 of a percentage point.

“The main negative contributors to the decrease were machinery and other equipment (-1.4% and contributing -0.6 of a percentage point), residential buildings (-4.3% and contributing -0.5 of a percentage point) and construction works (-2.5% and contributing -0.4 of a percentage point),” Stats SA said.

There was a R5.5 billion drawdown of inventories in the first quarter of 2024 (seasonally adjusted and annualised value).

Large decreases in three industries, namely manufacturing; mining and quarrying; and personal services, contributed to the inventory drawdown.

“Net exports contributed positively to expenditure on GDP in the first quarter. Exports of goods and services decreased by 2.3%, largely influenced by decreased trade in pearls, precious and semi-precious stones and precious metals; vehicles and transport equipment excluding aircraft; chemical products; base metals and articles of base metals; and mineral products.

“Imports of goods and services decreased by 5.1%, largely influenced by decreased trade in mineral products; vehicles and transport equipment excluding aircraft; and vegetable products,” Stats SA said. – SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Tue, 06/04/2024 - 11:59

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4 June 2024

How to Get a Tamper Reset Code for Your Hexing Prepaid Meter

Location: MyPR

Understanding Hexing Prepaid Electricity Meters Tamper Procedures With three items of information you can successfully tamper reset your Hexing Meter Which of the 560 Prepaid Meter Service Suppliers is Yours? How can I find my prepaid meter number? Quick Link: Straton Prepaid will assist you online here: https://straton.co.za/pre-paid/tamper-code-reset-for-hexing-private-prepaid-meters/ OR follow the instructions further below to …

4 June 2024

Bid to save legendary Lovedale Press

Location: News

The 200-year-old Eastern Cape press is in a shambles, but there is a plan

4 June 2024

SACCI welcomes outcome of the 2024 elections

Location: News

SACCI welcomes outcome of the 2024 elections

The South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SACCI) has welcomed the outcome of the 2024 National and Provincial Elections held last week.

SACCI said the outcome of the vote reflects the will of the people.

“We congratulate South Africans who filed in the long queues to make their voices heard and did so in an orderly and peaceful manner. Our democracy is indeed a vibrant one with free political contestation and multi-party contestation,” SACCI said in a statement.

It also commended the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC), which, despite challenges, continues to execute its mandate with credibility.

SACCI said it is looking forward to working with the new administration.

“Given the lack of an outright majority party to lead South Africa, we call on all the political parties to prioritise the interests of the people of South Africa first in putting together a coalition that will take the country forward. Foremost should be the alleviation of high levels of unemployment, building a meritocracy and sustainable and inclusive economic growth, and ridding the state and the private sector of corruption.

“Political stability and policy certainty are the fundamental hallmarks that will drive business and investor sentiment. Political parties have an opportunity to unite South Africa for the better development of the republic and the continent,” SACCI said.

It added that there are a number of successful developed countries that are run by coalition governments from whom “we can learn in managing the instability problems, inherent in coalitions”. - SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Tue, 06/04/2024 - 11:36

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4 June 2024

Health sector comes together to track progress in confronting TB

Location: News

Health sector comes together to track progress in confronting TB

As part of ongoing efforts to reduce new Tuberculosis (TB) infections and deaths, the country is hosting the 8th SA TB Conference in Durban.

The gathering is an opportunity to track progress towards achieving the 2025 targets set at the United Nations (UN) High-Level Meeting and the 2030 target to end the epidemic in line with the pragmatic End TB Strategy by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

The conference, said the Department of Health, is being held at the International Convention Centre in KwaZulu-Natal from Tuesday to Friday. The Deputy Minister of Health, Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo, is expected to deliver a keynote address to officially open the conference on Tuesday at 3pm.

Globally, TB is still a leading cause of death from a single infectious agent and one of the greatest public health threats in South Africa.

South Africa remains one of the 30 high-burden TB countries contributing to 87% of the estimated incident cases worldwide.

“It claims approximately 54 000 lives annually or around 148 lives daily in South Africa,” the department said.

However, government believes it has made strides to ensure that all people with TB have equitable access to high-quality diagnosis, treatment, care and preventive therapy.

“Data shows that 56% of TB patients experience catastrophic costs as per a recent WHO survey. These include a rollout of shorter regimens with better drugs for the treatment of drug-resistant TB, and the notable launch of the bedaquiline-pretomanid-linezolid-levofloxacin (BPaL-L) programme.”

Other innovative interventions include the introduction of targeted universal TB testing regardless of symptoms among high-risk groups, the introduction of SMS notifications for reporting test results, and the use of artificial intelligence such as digital chest X-rays in TB screening and diagnosis.

The four-day biannual conference is expected to “re-energise the TB community” through in-person interactions between local and international stakeholders consisting of policymakers, academics, researchers, government officials, and members of civil society organisations.

The conference is being held under the theme: “Accelerating progress to end TB”, which serves as a call for all sectors of society to join hands to prevent avoidable deaths from a preventable and curable disease.

The meeting will consist of insightful sessions designed to cover diverse aspects of the disease and control discussions.

These include the TB vaccine, infections in mines, insights and innovations towards ending TB, stigma measurement among people, care services and treatment response in children with presumptive pulmonary TB over six months.

The panellists will also look at the results of community-based TB services targeting migrant workers in the South of Mozambique.

The department in collaboration with stakeholders in the sector including the South African National AIDS Council (SANAC) is currently implementing the national TB Recovery Plan, which aims to reverse the losses incurred during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The aim is to accelerate efforts towards attaining the National Strategic Plan, UN High-Level Meeting, Sustainable Development Goals and End TB targets will be strengthened. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Tue, 06/04/2024 - 10:05

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4 June 2024

Sandton City Wins Big at Global Awards in Vegas

Location: Business

Building on its already impressive repertoire of endorsements and accolades, Sandton City (www.SandtonCity.com) in Johannesburg has now been recognised on a global scale for marketing. This past weekend, Africa's top retail destination was awarded with two honours at the International Council of Shopping Centres (ICSC) Global Marketing Awards in the U.S. for professional marketing excellence. The ICSC Global Awards are the most recognized achievement in retail marketing.

The centre's 2023 festive season activation, titled Momo's Magical Adventure, won a silver MAXI Marketing award, while the LEGO, Your Dream Car Generation won a gold Global Visual Victory award. The winners were announced at a prestigious ceremony in Las Vegas, this past weekend, that saw the world's leaders in the retail industry congregate to recognise excellence and retail innovations.

Momo's Magical Adventure was an original live theatre production, staged in a bespoke tent in the Sandton City centre court, over the December 2023 holiday. Visitors of all ages flocked to the show to enjoy the heart-warming story with endearing characters and a delightful storyline. The production was commissioned by Sandton City and brought to the stage by an award-winning creative team. Produced by visionary Lyall Ramsden, and under the playful directorial eye of Kirsten Harris, with a musical composition by James Bassingthwaighte, the show was a sensory delight, creation an unforgettable holiday experience. Also this week, the lead actress Tebogo Molepo won best performance in a production for young audiences at the South African Naledi awards, that honour excellence in theatre.

In another first, Sandton City was the first destination on the African continent to host the LEGO® Your Dream Car Generation activation. Spanning over approximately 300sqm, the experience transported shoppers to a riveting deconstructed car manufacturing garage, leveraging high-end technology, to ‘'generate'' their dream car. With multiple touchpoints throughout the build, including graphics, animation and an interface control panel, the shopper journey enabled car enthusiasts to get creative and add their personal touches to their car design details.

“Sandton City is widely recognised for its iconic activations throughout the year, but especially during holiday seasons, as shoppers of all ages, including from beyond our catchment area, look forward to what we offer,” said Michael Wilson, Chief Marketing Officer for Excellerate Brand Management - EBM, the centre's marketing agency. “Sandton City continues to leverage key partnerships with iconic and beloved international brands such a LEGO, but we also understand the importance of conceptualising local opportunities, which was the key driver for the creation of Momo's Magical Adventure. I am thrilled that we have been applauded on an international stage, with Sandton City being the only winner on the African continent,” he added.

Sandon City's General Manager and Asset Management Executive, Dimitri Kokinos shared his excitement at the wins: “Last year Sandton City celebrated its 50^th birthday, and it was crucial that we continued to host standout activations and experiences that surpass consumer expectations throughout the year. The awards are testament to our commitment to our tenants and customers and demonstrate the world class offering at Sandton City.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Sandton City.

For more information and regular updates go to www.SandtonCity.com or follow the centre on social media @SandtonCitymall.

Contact us:
Management Offices, Ground Floor, Atrium on 5th
Sandton City
PO Box 78100
Sandton, 2146

Tel: +27 11 217 6000
Web: www.SandtonCity.com

About Sandton City:
Sandton City Shopping Centre is renowned amongst both local and international visitors as one of Africa's leading retail destinations. With an impressive retail, office and leisure space ranking as South Africa's top performing retail destination in terms of trading density, Sandton City has an effective tenant leasing strategy and a low vacancy level. The shopping centre is home to over 300 of the most exciting local and international brands and presents you with a world of luxury in the exclusive Diamond Walk.

Sandton City is six-star green-star rated by the Green Building Council of South Africa. This is the first super-regional shopping centre on the African continent to achieve such a prestigious rating, representing world leadership in environmentally sustainable operational efficiencies. In accordance with the SHORE accreditation standards by international certification body SAFE Asset Group, Sandton City is certified COVID-19 compliant and has also achieved gold level status as a safe retail destination for its ability to prevent, adapt, respond to, recover and learn from operational disruptions. Adjacent to world-class hotels and mega corporate headquarters, winning multiple Best Shopping Mall awards each year, Sandton City continues to be a leader in mixed-use properties.

Sandton City is co-owned by Liberty Group and Pareto Limited, and managed by JHI Retail Proprietary Limited.

For more information, please visit either www.SandtonCity.com, www.Liberty2Degrees.co.za, www.Pareto.co.za or www.JHI.co.za.

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4 June 2024

Epson’s Heat-Free inkjet printing technology, the efficient and sustainable solution for the Education and Healthcare sectors

Location: Business

On the sidelines of its participation in GITEX AFRICA 2024 (www.GITEXAfrica.com), Epson held a press conference where it unveiled the results of recent research it conducted in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, highlighting the common challenges faced in the Education and Healthcare sectors due to inefficient and unsustainable printing technology.

To meet these challenges, Epson remains committed to providing increasingly innovative, efficient and sustainable printing solutions. The impact of printing on student learning and healthcare staff efficiency is crucial.

Students need printed materials for their learning, but it's equally important that this printing is both efficient and environmentally friendly. This enables them to access quality educational resources while integrating responsible practices. Similarly, for healthcare staff, having efficient and sustainable printing solutions saves valuable time, which translates into greater efficiency in the delivery of care. This balance between operational efficiency and environmental sustainability in printing is the offering Epson brings to these two vital sectors to support both student learning and quality healthcare.

In the education sector, the vast majority of students (91%) in the MEA region (Turkey, Saudi Arabia, UAE, South Africa, Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt and Kenya) recognize that printed learning materials help them better understand and retain information. Despite this, they often feel conflicted because they fear that excessive printing is perceived as being harmful to the environment. Nonetheless, the study also showed that 89% of the same respondent students recognize that their learning would be improved if their educational institution had more sustainable printing solutions, such as Heat-Free inkjet printers, which consume less energy and produce less waste than laser printers.

In the health sector, workers in the MEA region lose 5850 hours each year, equating to 731 working days; due to slow or non-functional printers. This loss of time has a negative impact on patient care, leading to delays in updating patient records, booking appointments and sharing information. Healthcare workers are calling for action to improve printing technology and reduce interruptions.

92% of healthcare workers believe their IT department should provide faster, lower-maintenance printers to reduce the difficulties caused by printing interruptions.

Environmental concerns also come into play, with 83% of respondents agreeing that the environmental impact of unsustainable printers is a major concern for them personally.

"In both sectors, the use of Epson's Heat-Free inkjet printing technology is presented as a sustainable solution. Heat-Free inkjet printers consume less energy than traditional laser printers, and require fewer moving parts and consumables. By switching to this technology, educational establishments and health services could not only improve their operational efficiency, but also help reduce their environmental impact. It would also meet students' learning needs and improve patient outcomes, while reducing costs and increasing user satisfaction." says Ilias Azzaoui, Epson General Manager - French-speaking Africa and DomCom.

Visitors can discover Epson solutions at stand 4C-40 in hall 4 of GITEX AFRICA, taking place from May 29 to 31, 2024.

Place Bab Jdid, Boulevard Al Yarmouk - Marrakech (opposite Mamounia Hotel).

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of GITEX Africa.

Media Contact:
Siham Zouggarh
Email: siham.zouggarh@briocommunication.com
Tel. : +212 663552985

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About Epson:
Epson is a global technology leader dedicated to co-creating sustainability and enriching communities by leveraging its efficient, compact, and precision technologies and digital technologies to connect people, things, and information. The company is focused on solving societal issues through innovations in home and office printing, commercial and industrial printing, manufacturing, visual and lifestyle. Epson will become carbon negative and eliminate use of exhaustible underground resources such as oil and metal by 2050.
Led by the Japan-based Seiko Epson Corporation, the worldwide Epson Group generates annual sales of around JPY 1 trillion.
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