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Clairfield International and Rand Merchant Bank announce a formal M&A advisory partnership spanning 32 countries
Clairfield International, a top-ranked Europe-based global corporate finance partnership, and Rand Merchant Bank (RMB) (www.RMB.co.za), a division of FirstRand Bank Limited (part of FirstRand Limited, the largest financial services group by market capitalisation in Africa), are delighted to announce that they formally agreed to partner, marking both firms' commitment to global expansion and delivery of top-quality corporate finance advisory solutions for clients.
This partnership will position RMB as the gateway for Clairfield clients into South Africa, Nigeria, and the broader sub-Saharan African market, while Clairfield opens doors for RMB into Europe, the Americas, and the Asia-Pacific region. Following from Clairfield's successful partnership with top Japanese advisory firm Yamada Consulting in 2023 that covers Japan and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, this new access to sub-Saharan Africa creates unparalleled coverage for midmarket corporate, private equity, and family business clients worldwide.
Clairfield International advises entrepreneurs, multinational corporations, and financial investors on M&A and other corporate finance solutions with special expertise in cross border situations through over 30 country teams globally. Clairfield International has completed 780 transactions on behalf of clients in the last five years totalling EUR 30 billion in disclosed deal value.
“We are optimistic about Africa's long-term growth, driven by technology, the high demand for infrastructure and rapid urbanisation, and we are eager to explore business opportunities across the continent. RMB has a corporate finance team of over 70 people, and with their reach and expertise on the ground, Clairfield can vastly expand its client offerings across sub-Saharan Africa,” says Alexander Klemm, Executive Chair of the Clairfield board of directors. “This partnership is a transformative step for both firms, enhancing our global footprint. Together we can access exciting global deal flow, buyers, and investors for our clients.”
RMB's award-winning corporate finance team partners local and global clients offering differentiated advice and innovative thinking on strategic topics as well as access to capital to enable their growth ambitions. RMB Corporate Finance has an unrivalled track record in corporate finance advisory in sub-Saharan Africa and is consistently the top-ranked advisor in the league tables in South Africa and Nigeria.
“This partnership underscores our commitment to building an M&A advisory capability that is internationally relevant to our clients,” says Krishna Nagar, Co-head of Corporate Finance at Rand Merchant Bank. “The increase in M&A activity across Africa positions us favourably with companies seeking global opportunities and expertise. Our collaboration with Clairfield has already proven fruitful as interest from Clairfield clients is evident in our mandates. We look forward to a continued partnership and access to Clairfield's expertise in developing and facilitating that global deal flow.”
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Rand Merchant Bank.
About RMB:
Rand Merchant Bank (RMB) is a leading African corporate and investment bank (CIB) and part of the largest financial services group (by market capitalisation) in Africa – FirstRand Bank Limited (which is wholly owned by FirstRand Limited). We offer our clients innovative, value-added advisory, funding, trading, corporate banking, and principal investing solutions.
With a presence in 10 African countries, we have a significant footprint on the continent. We also have access to a network of retail banks, representative offices and branches across Africa, the UK, India and the US.
For more information visit: www.RMB.co.za
About Clairfield International:
Founded in 2004, Clairfield International provides advisory services on middle-market transactions for large companies, private investors and private equity, public sector clients, and family businesses. Headquartered in Europe with locations in every major region worldwide, we offer clients access to corporates, investors, key decision-makers, and sector experts, combined with a deep understanding of local regulations and cultures. Closing over 190 transactions annually, Clairfield ranks as one of the top independent M&A advisors in league tables worldwide.
For more information visit: www.Clairfield.com
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NSC 2023 achievements a result of sectoral support
NSC 2023 achievements a result of sectoral support
Department of Basic Education Director-General (DG) Hubert Mweli has attributed the achievements of the matric Class of 2023 to the “extraordinary support” the learners received throughout the year.
The DG was speaking during a technical briefing ahead of the announcement of the National Senior Certificate (NSC) results held at the Mosaïek in Johannesburg on Thursday.
The Class of 2023, with more than 890 000 full-time and part-time candidates, produced a pass rate of some 82.9% - the highest in percentage points in the history of the NSC.
“This class has been provided with extraordinary support. The reality is that we are an unequal society. We still remain an unequal society. When others have got a number of tutors lined up for them, learners in the villages, in the townships, in the informal settlements…the only expert they rely on is the teacher.
“In South Africa, our government – across all the nine provinces – provides comprehensive support to our learners. This support does not begin in Grade 12, it starts from the foundation phase.”
Mweli explained that the Learner Support Programmes for the matriculants this year had distinct features. These included:
- A strong partnership with civil society, universities and non-governmental organisations and donors.
- Weekend, autumn, winter, spring, and last push learner support programme to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 in all nine provinces.
- The Learner Support Programme focused on Languages (Home Languages, African Languages, South African Sign Language including Afrikaans and English, as well as First Additional Languages).
- The Electrical, Mechanical, Civil Technologies specialisations received attention during the implementation of the Learner Support Programme.
- Smaller subjects such as services subjects (Hospitality, Consumer Studies, and Tourism) were also included in the 2023 Learner Support Programme.
- Mathematics received unprecedented attention in all the 75 education districts. The year 2023 was declared the year of Mathematics and regular meetings were convened with the Mathematics Curriculum convenors in each of the provinces.
- Face to face engagements were held with the 25 000 school principals, district, provincial officials focusing on the improvement of learning outcome.
“We even followed through in our support. We actioned research, we checked the impact, we tracked learner performance on a monthly basis and on a quarterly basis to determine whether there is any impact in terms of the support that has been provided,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Thu, 01/18/2024 - 21:03
342 views
Government empowers citizens throught tv programme
Government empowers citizens throught tv programme
Government has packaged a television programme to empower, inform and educate citizens regarding initiatives that can improve their lives by profiling its programmes.
“We are giving voices to communities. We are sharing our content with the broader communities in this country. We are giving ordinary citizens an opportunity to talk about their daily experiences,” Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) Chief Director: Communication Service Agency, Neli Shuping, said in Pretoria on Thursday.
Shuping was addressing a special screening for a 13-episode Advertiser Funded Programme (AFP) called Citizens Connect, which will be flighted on SABC 2 starting on Thursday, 18 January 2024 at 20:30.
Repeats will be played on Fridays from 12:00 – 12:30 and it will be available on the SABC Plus streaming platform.
The Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) said the collaboration with SABC 2 was testament to government’s commitment to reaching a diverse audience and delivering impactful content.
“This is a massive milestone for the GCIS and it is a significant project that will be flighted on one of the biggest platforms, which is the SABC. The latest research on television advertisements shows that the engagement on ads from viewers has decreased, so having a programme like this is monumental as it provides an opportunity to communicate government messages,” Shuping said.
Citizens Connect is a social reality programme featuring government content, re-enactments and discussions on matters relating to gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), anti-corruption and the Economic Recovery and Reconstruction Plan (ERRP).
The programme is aimed at encouraging active citizenry, inspiring change while informing and profiling government programmes. The choice of SABC 2 as a channel was informed by government’s efforts to engage and inform the public through a platform that has a wide audience and reaches many households across South Africa.
“We call on all South Africans across all spheres of life to follow and tune into SABC 2 from Thursday, 18 January – 22 March 2024 at 20:30, to follow and engage on the 13 episodes of Citizens Connect, which will significantly touch on various interventions and experiences of citizens with government on issues that are essential to their lives. Through storytelling and engaging content, we aspire to inspire a collective shift towards an informed and engaged society,” said Acting Director General of GCIS, Nomonde Mnukwa.
One of the episodes focuses on entrepreneurship and the government programmes that are intended to assist business owners with funding and business development.
The episode features two entrepreneurs who share their journeys in business and how they have navigated challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing load shedding.
Communications Manager for the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA), Lwazilwaphesheya Khoza, informed viewers about the Voucher Programme, which range from R6 600 to R19 800. The voucher is used to purchase business support services from approved service providers.
She suggested that entrepreneurs could use the vouchers to buy inverters or generators to help keep the lights on during load shedding.
There is no contribution fee required for young entrepreneurs to participate in the Voucher Programme. Each registered entity is entitled to a maximum of two vouchers as per business development phase.
Minister of Small Business Development Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams, who was interviewed at the special screening, shared information about government programmes aimed at assisting entrepreneurs. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Thu, 01/18/2024 - 12:45
272 views
Motshekga congratulates matric class of 2023 top achievers
Motshekga congratulates matric class of 2023 top achievers
Minister of Basic Education, Angie Motshekga, was beaming this morning as she congratulated learners who have produced excellent results in their National Senior Certificate (NSC) exams.
“I stand here with an immense sense of pride as we host our best learners. And for the year, we presented over 800 000 learners and more than 750 000 were full time learners and to be here, I’m sure it’s unbelievable. Indeed, you’re ahead of the pack in so many ways,” she told the country’s cream of the crop on Thursday.
Motshekga and Deputy Minister, Dr Reginah Mhaule, hosted a breakfast for the 2023 matric top achievers at the MTN Innovation Centre in Randburg, Johannesburg.
“I want to congratulate you and say thank you for making us very proud. Is it not so parents? You have made us really proud. For that, we’re really grateful to our children,” Motshekga added.
She told the boffins that their achievement was not a small feat and described their success as an honour that they would carry for the rest of their lives.
“South Africa stands with a sense of pride to commemorate the exceptional achievement of the 2023 top matric learners. Not matric learners, but top matric learners,” Motshekga stressed.
She told the attendees that the moment was not only a celebration of academic excellence but a testament to the resilience and determination of the youngsters.
“The class of 2023 was no ordinary class and indeed it has demonstrated extraordinary perseverance. In a period marked by post-pandemic challenges, we [weathered the storm].
“And those in the public system came back to school in September and those in the public sector, we started rotating you… I always tell people that we don’t set an exam the year of the exam. Whether the pandemic hits, the [question] paper is set three years in [advance]. So, you have to sail through.”
One of the celebrated achievers, Kamohelo Mosikili, 18, from Selelekela Senior Secondary School in Bloemfontein said he dedicated his time to learning for his exams and that there was no time for games.
He told a journalist that he was planning to study computer science at the University of Cape Town as he dreams of becoming a software engineer.
Some of the attendees were proud parents who could not stop smiling.
“We are extremely thankful to have our son as a top achiever. It is only through hard work that he was able to make it this far,” said Jean and Lientjie Goodey, the parents of one of the top achievers who were honoured.
The Minister will again join the top achievers on stage this evening where she will deliver the ministerial announcement on the results at the Mosaïek Church, in Randburg, Johannesburg.
Meanwhile, the matric results for the NSC exams are expected to be released on Friday, 19 January.
On Monday, the national education quality assurance body, Umalusi, approved the release of the NSC exams.
This was announced by Umalusi Council Chairperson Prof Yunus Ballim.
“As we look ahead, let us continue to strive for an education system that enables an inclusive society where every child can achieve their full potential regardless of their background,” Motshekga added. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Thu, 01/18/2024 - 13:09
503 views
4 000 families to receive houses in the Northern Cape
4 000 families to receive houses in the Northern Cape
Government is set to build over 4 000 houses in municipalities across the Northern Cape over the course of the next 12 to 18 months, in a programme valued at R1 billion.
“Through this project, thousands of families will now have a home they can call their own, an asset that can be used to improve their lives and access financing for their needs, and a home that can be passed on to future generations,” President Cyril Ramaphosa said on Thursday.
Addressing the launch in Kimberley, President Ramaphosa described the mega-housing project as the biggest in the history of the Northern Cape.
“This project is going to help reduce the housing backlog in the Northern Cape, as more people have access to housing in urban and rural areas. The most vulnerable in our society will be prioritised as beneficiaries of this mega-housing project.
“We will strive to ensure that the elderly, child-headed households, military veterans and persons with disabilities get priority in the allocation of these houses. What is significant about this project is that it will also address the housing needs of the so-called ‘missing middle’, people who have a form of income but do not qualify for either subsidised housing or home loans with commercial banks,” President Ramaphosa said.
The project will also be allocating funds to eradicate informal settlements and unsuitable housing structures like mud homes.
“This project is going to create work and business opportunities in the Northern Cape across its lifespan. These opportunities will be in the construction itself, in the sourcing and production of building materials, in the laying down of bulk infrastructure, in the supply of professional services and other economic activities associated with the project.
“We will be prioritising women and youth-owned businesses. We are determined that it will be Northern Cape residents and Northern Cape businesses that will benefit from the opportunities that will be created,” the President said.
He assured residents that the province has put measures in place to ensure these housing projects are delivered within the projected timeframes, according to budget and without any wastage or corruption.
“We know that right here in Roodepan and in other parts of the municipality there are social housing structures that were not built according to quality standards, or are facing challenges with wastewater drainage and groundwater seepage.
“This will not be allowed to happen again. We are going to ensure that the contractors appointed to this project observe the highest construction standards,” the President said.
He said the launch of the project is a further demonstration that government is making good on its commitment to fulfil the human rights of all South Africans.
“Providing houses for the poor and vulnerable who are dependent on government support requires innovative funding mechanisms. We have to mobilise resources in partnership with financial institutions, especially development finance institutions.
“By leveraging the Human Settlements Development Grant, the Northern Cape has secured funding through a loan facility of National Treasury and the Development Bank of Southern Africa to build these top structures and housing units.
“This loan will further be augmented by funding from the fiscus and the provincial government to achieve the total project value. This will significantly shorten the time it takes to build these houses,” the President said.
Thirty years of democracy
Despite the current challenges in the country, the President said government has made progress in expanding access to housing since the advent of democracy.
“This year, we celebrate 30 years since achieving our democracy. Last year, Statistics South Africa released the results of Census 2022, which give an indication of the strides we have made in improving the lives of the South African people.
“When the census was conducted in 2022, nearly 9 out of every 10 households were living in formal dwellings. When the first census in a democratic South Africa was held in 1996, only 6 out of every 10 households lived in a formal dwelling.
“In South Africa today, 8 out of every 10 households have access to piped water either inside their home or in the yard. These are achievements we must celebrate,” President Ramaphosa said.
He said over 4.7 million housing opportunities have been provided since the advent of democracy.
This includes stand-alone houses, multiple storey and multi-unit buildings and serviced stands.
“Security of tenure has been granted to the many households who live in pre-1994 government rental houses. We have given subsidies and transferred title deeds to approximately 376 000 qualifying beneficiaries of these homes.
“We have been working to eradicate spatial inequality by building socially and economically sustainable human settlements close to places of work, study and recreation,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Thu, 01/18/2024 - 13:17
103 views
Liquid Intelligent Technologies achieves Cisco Gold Certification, elevating the delivery of network services for South African customers
Liquid Intelligent Technologies (Liquid) (https://www.Liquid.Tech/), a business of Cassava Technologies, a pan-African technology group, proudly announces its attainment of the Cisco Gold Certified Partner certification level for its South African operations. Liquid SA is now one of a few select partners in Africa to achieve this milestone, joining an elite group of system integrators with proven expertise and competency in Cisco technologies and solutions.
“The Cisco Gold Certification is another validation for our customers as we continue to be the digital service provider of choice for businesses in South Africa. This certification reflects our team's expertise and commitment to meeting the highest industry standards. While this is an accomplishment for Liquid SA, it is a win for our customers, who will reap the benefits of higher levels of expertise, access to advanced technologies, comprehensive support, and the assurance that they are working with a partner that has a proven track record in delivering Cisco solutions,” says Deon Geyser, CEO of Liquid Intelligent Technologies South Africa.
The Gold Certification confirms that Liquid SA will deliver superior service and support capabilities, underpinned by an extensive evaluation process. The certification also ensures that customers are supported by a team of ISO quality-level personnel proficient in delivering network and managed services.
"For us, collaboration and the power of partnerships is what drives innovation to meet evolving customer needs. This milestone not only reflects the dedication and expertise of Liquid Intelligent Technologies but also exemplifies a shared commitment to advancing network services in South Africa. We are proud to partner with a company that upholds the highest standards of excellence, and together, we look forward to shaping the future of connectivity for South African customers with cutting-edge solutions and unparalleled service deliver,”says Hayward Rose, Partner Channel Lead for Sub-Saharan Africa at Cisco.
While these services are available with immediate effect to existing and potential Liquid SA customers, the Gold Certification represents a culmination of years of successfully delivering Cisco projects and services as part of the company's goal to enhance its customers' experience on their digital journey, while ensuring that no African business is left behind.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Liquid Intelligent Technologies.
About Liquid Intelligent Technologies:
Liquid Intelligent Technologies is a business of Cassava Technologies, a pan-African technology group with operations in over 25 countries in Africa. Liquid has firmly established itself as the leading provider of pan-African digital infrastructure with a 110,000 km-long fibre broadband network and satellite connectivity that provides high-speed access to the Internet anywhere in Africa. Liquid is also leveraging its digital network to provide Cloud and Cyber Security solutions through strategic partnerships with leading global players. Liquid is a comprehensive technology solutions group that provides customised digital solutions to public and private sector enterprises and SMEs across the continent. For more information, visit https://www.Liquid.Tech/.
About Cisco:
Cisco is the worldwide technology leader that securely connects everything to make anything possible. Our purpose is to power an inclusive future for all by helping our customers reimagine their applications, power hybrid work, secure their enterprise, transform their infrastructure, and meet their sustainability goals. Discover more on The Newsroom (https://apo-opa.co/47zxJ9i) and follow us on X at @Cisco (https://apo-opa.co/3u7sRKK).
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Presidential Economic Advisory Council discusses measures to support economic growth, job creation
Presidential Economic Advisory Council discusses measures to support economic growth, job creation
Despite the progress made in putting in place fiscally, socially and environmentally sound economic policies, the Presidential Economic Advisory Council (PEAC) has noted that significant challenges remain.
“In its assessment of the current economic environment, the PEAC highlighted fiscal risks, the poor performance of state-owned enterprises, ongoing load shedding, historical underinvestment in infrastructure, and rising levels of crime as the most urgent obstacles to growth,” the Presidency said on Wednesday.
In its meeting, chaired by President Cyril Ramaphosa, the PEAC welcomed the actions currently underway to address these challenges, and discussed proposals to strengthen state capacity, professionalise the public service, and improve the governance of state-owned enterprises.
Further proposals included a proactive green industrial strategy to harness South Africa’s significant renewable energy resources, support for small businesses and the informal sector, and measures to accelerate implementation of the Energy Action Plan and end load shedding.
The President chaired the meeting of the PEAC to discuss current economic developments and measures to support economic growth and job creation.
“Members of PEAC commended the progress made in advancing economic reform, including in the energy, transport, and telecommunications sectors, as well as in rebuilding state institutions that were weakened by state capture.
“The recently released results of Census 2022 show that the quality of life has improved for millions of South Africans since the previous census, including through expanded access to education, water, electricity, housing, and other basic services,” the Presidency said.
Finally, the PEAC discussed South Africa’s role in advocating for the reform of the international financial architecture.
The PEAC further supported the call for appropriate financing mechanisms to support the climate transition in developing countries.
The Presidency said the analysis and recommendations provided by PEAC continue to play a key role in informing government policymaking. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Thu, 01/18/2024 - 09:21
365 views
Rugby’s Impact: Investing in Africa’s Development Future (By Gabriela Ramos and Herbert Mensah)
By Gabriela Ramos, Assistant Director-General for the Social and Human Sciences of UNESCO, and Herbert Mensah, President of Rugby Africa (http://www.RugbyAfrique.com)
With a current population of over 1.4 billion, Africa is expected to reach 2.5 billion by 2050. By 2030, young Africans are projected to constitute 42 percent of the world's youth. Looking ahead, by 2100, nearly half of the world's children will be African, and Africa will then constitute 40% of the global population. This demographic transformation presents an unprecedented opportunity for the continent and the world.
In a future where Africa's youth will constitute the majority of the global youth population, it is essential to recognize that the path of international sports bodies will be inextricably linked to Africa. With a rapidly expanding fan base, a growing pool of talented athletes, and a substantial TV audience, Africa becomes a focal point for the future of sports.
Rugby, with its core values of integrity, respect, solidarity, passion, and discipline, stands as a powerful catalyst for character development. These values extend far beyond the playing field, instilling life skills that are essential for young people as they navigate life's challenges. Integrity on the pitch translates to honesty in life's challenges, respect in victory and defeat fosters empathy in relationships, and solidarity in teamwork becomes community service, cultivating a spirit for the common good. South Africa, a triumphant four-time rugby world champion, has consistently exemplified these values, with its current captain Siya Kolisi standing as a role model for the entire African continent.
Empowering African youth through rugby is not just about playing a fun sport; it's about equipping them with the tools they need to drive continental growth and reach their fullest potential. Every young rugby player has the potential to be a future leader, an agent of positive change, and an ambassador for unity. By nurturing their talents and investing in their development, we set in motion a journey that contributes not only to the advancement of rugby across Africa but also to the progress of our societies at large.
Rugby is actively implemented in 39 countries across the continent, and Ghana, Nigeria, and Zambia are among the six emerging nations that are enjoying strong growth in rugby globally, according to data published in September by World Rugby. The growth of rugby in Africa, coupled with the sport's rising global popularity, creates a promising economic ecosystem and offers immense potential to drive human development and livelihoods. Beyond its cultural and sporting importance, the rugby industry offers diverse opportunities for revenue generation, including sponsorships, broadcasting deals, merchandise sales, and event hosting. These economic benefits extend to ancillary industries, such as sports tourism and sports technology, attracting international visitors, fostering tech startups, and driving infrastructural development. Additionally, investments in youth development, infrastructure, and training programs can lead to job creation, and skills development, contributing to economic growth and community well-being. This highlights rugby's significant role in advancing economic development across Africa. In harnessing the potential of rugby, Africa can not only foster sporting excellence but also stimulate economic advancement and social progress on the continent.
However, this transformative journey requires commitment and investment. African governments, development agencies, and international sports governing bodies, such as World Rugby, need to recognise the pivotal role that rugby can play. It is a responsibility we owe to the future of our continent and the world, and Rugby Africa, the continental governing body of rugby in Africa, is eager to collaborate with global stakeholders to strengthen the rugby value chain on the continent. Together, we aim to leverage the attributes of rugby in addressing social challenges and enhancing individual and community well-being.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Rugby Africa.
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Minister Blade Nzimande dismisses fake allegations around awarded tender
The Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Prof Blade Nzimande has become aware of the circulation of yet another set of false and ill-informed suggestions that he as Minister, may have influenced the awarding of a NSFAS tender to Mr Tilson Manyoni.
Firstly, Mr Tilson Manyoni is not and has never been an advisor to the Minister, as erroneously suggested by some media houses. The names of the advisors of the Minister are matters of public record and discoverable with little or no difficulty.
Secondly, in terms of the Public Finance Management Act and applicable Treasury Regulations, Ministers are defined outside the value chain of procurement matters precisely to guarantee the integrity of such processes.
Therefore, Minister Nzimande had absolutely no role in the awarding of a NSFAS tender to Mr Manyoni or any other individual or company. These allegations are therefore both false and malicious.
Thirdly, the Minister is the Executive Authority and not the accounting officer of the Department of Higher Education and Training.
Therefore, any queries relating to procurement procesess at NSFAS should rightfully be directed to the Chief Executive Officer or Board of NSFAS.
It is both unfair and mischievous to expect the Minister to answer questions relating to the procurement detail of entites, when such entities have their own accounting officers, executives and boards.
Fourthly, to ensure better stakeholder relations it is hoped that the media, civil society or political organisations will make an effort to inform themselves on the functioning of the procurement processes of public entities so as for them to make informed public commentary on matters related to public entities.
The Minister views the latest set of false allegations as part of the continuing attempts to tarnish his name and distract the Department from the important task of ensuring a smooth start to the 2024 academic year.
The Minister wishes to reassure the public that, together with the executive of the Department and the leadership of the Department's various entities, he stands firm on his commitment to ensuring that the country experiences a smooth start to the 2024 academic year.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Department of Higher Education and Training - Republic of South Africa.
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President Ramaphosa to launch Northern Cape housing project
President Ramaphosa to launch Northern Cape housing project
President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to launch a housing project in the Northern Cape on Thursday which, when complete, is expected to deliver more than 4 000 housing units.
According to the Presidency, the project is expected to deliver some 4 168 houses, with at least 2 500 of those homes to be completed within the next year.
“Working with National Treasury, the Northern Cape Provincial Government has sought a R600 million loan from the Development Bank of South Africa to supplement its baseline grant allocation for housing.
“The housing units established in this project will address the pressing need for housing opportunities in the province, where approximately 162 informal settlements and nearly 80 000 households lack adequate housing.
“Presently, 18 000 serviced stands across the province are prepared for the construction of housing structures,” the Presidency said.
President Ramaphosa is expected to perform a sod-turning ceremony at a site.
“This location will host fully subsidised houses and diverse housing opportunities, including First Home Finance and social housing,” the Presidency said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Wed, 01/17/2024 - 13:31
39 views
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Four top trends to watch in the African energy sector in 2024
As we head into 2024, the renewable energy sector is set to see innovation that will transform the way energy is accessed, stored and deployed across Africa. Paul van Zijl, Group CEO at Starsight Energy (https://StarsightEnergy.com/), discusses 4 key trends that he thinks will profoundly shape the industry over the next year.
Batteries will provide benefits far beyond backup for behind-the-meter projects
One of the most significant shifts in solar technology revolves around the integration of battery energy storage systems (BESS) – especially for behind-the-meter solar (also known as onsite solar). Traditionally, batteries were seen primarily as backup storage when paired with a solar system, ensuring a steady power supply during cloudy days, nighttime or when the grid is unavailable. However, in 2024, the focus is vastly shifting towards load management, where batteries play a dynamic role in optimising energy consumption.
As the trend for the deployment of batteries across the continent grows, cutting-edge management systems will become a key part of solar installations with an integrated battery component. These systems use advanced algorithms to predict energy demand patterns. This allows for the strategic use of battery storage – discharging it during expensive peak times and charging it using solar energy or the grid during off-peak – to reduce the costly demand charges that come with variable tariff structures. Along with enhancing the efficiency of solar systems, integrated battery storage solutions can also contribute to grid stability by reducing strain during high-demand periods.
When it comes to front-of-the-meter (or offsite) storage, BESS is also set to play a bigger role in the deployment of utility-scale renewable energy technology like wheeling - where power is generated at an offsite location (like a solar or wind farm) and transported using the available power network to different off-takers.
In South Africa for example, the national energy provider Eskom announced the deployment of around 343 MW in BESS projects as part of an overall 500 MW BESS initiative aimed at addressing the country's long-running electricity crisis. The systems will be in remote areas (with limited access to Eskom's network) but still close to renewable energy plants built by independent power producers (IPPs).
This collaboration between the public and private sectors supports more widespread deployment of utility-scale power and the adoption of renewable energy projects. By adding battery storage components to the national grid, businesses and consumers can gain quicker access to reliable electricity while the power utility can address peak energy demands more easily. This also ensures that the increasing amount of power generated from utility-scale solar projects can be stored and consumed outside of daylight hours to avoid stranded grid capacity.
Data, banking and tourism: The rise of sustainable off-grid solar solutions
Off-grid renewable energy solutions, including stand-alone systems and mini-grids, offer a unique opportunity to expand modern energy access services. The distributed nature of these systems allows them to be tailored to local conditions, tap into available renewable resources, deliver diverse energy services, and utilise local capacity to ensure long-term sustainability.
We will see a rise in these solutions as more and more commercial and industrial businesses realise the value of effectively moving off-grid. This will be prevalent in three industries:
Data centres: Africa is a global hub for data centres. According to research from African Infrastructure Investment Managers (AIIM), there is around 250 MW of installed data centre capacity across Africa – with the demand for centres in Africa expected to exceed supply by 300% by 2030. These powerhouses of technology rely heavily on a steady and safe electricity supply. From operating to maintaining their vast cooling systems, large data centres simply can't afford the risk of a grid collapse or any possible power interruptions. Power autonomy is the name of the game here, making battery storage a necessity from the get-go.
Banking: While the prevalence of mobile financial services continues to soar on the continent, there is still a tangible need for brick-and-mortar banks and ATMs in countries where access to these services remains essential. These sites need to remain operational should there be any sort of grid collapse or catastrophic power failures - making an off-grid solution a non-negotiable component of the future of banking in Africa.
Tourism: With the rise of conscious consumerism and eco-tourism, sustainability is fast becoming the differentiating factor for discerning travellers choosing their next holiday destination. Luxury lodges in popular destinations in East and Southern Africa are fast moving towards fully off-grid solar battery operations to offer their guests uninterrupted access to power while boosting the lodge's green credentials in the process.
As more and more businesses become aware of the benefits of off-grid solar, it is likely that we will see an even greater adoption of this technology in the coming year.
Seamless access to renewables through a reimagined aggregation model
We will certainly see a shift towards aggregated solutions, wherein energy providers will consolidate diverse technologies and services into comprehensive packages in 2024. This trend is driven by the recognition that a holistic approach to energy solutions is not only more convenient for consumers but also more effective in optimising energy production and consumption.
This can be done in several ways. For example, trading of electricity in South Africa allows a service provider of solar energy to buy and sell, excess wind energy without having to invest substantial capital expenditure amounts. Similarly, instead of having gas-powered energy compete with renewable energy, the aggregation model will also allow providers of such services to aggregate their energy solutions and provide the client with a holistic offering. The goal is to provide consumers with a seamless and integrated final product that maximises the benefits of renewable energy across various aspects of their daily lives. The real value for customers lies in a collaboration of providers who can meet their specific needs and power the entire energy lifecycle.
Tackling complexities through an increasingly consolidated sector
As the solar industry matures, a trend towards consolidation will become increasingly evident in 2024. Larger energy companies will consider merging or acquiring smaller players, creating more robust and diversified entities. This consolidation is driven by the desire to achieve economies of scale, increase market share, and foster innovation by pooling resources and expertise.
Consolidation in the industry is not limited to manufacturers but extends to service providers, research and development firms, and energy management companies. By joining forces, these entities can tackle the complexities of the evolving energy landscape more effectively, driving down costs and accelerating the adoption of alternative energies across the continent.
This trend is fostering the emergence of holistic service providers capable of providing end-to-end solutions that address the diverse needs of businesses, consumers and communities. Our recent market-milestone merger between Starsight Energy (https://StarsightEnergy.com/) and SolarAfrica (https://SolarAfrica.com/) is a case in point. Customers in Eastern, Southern and Western Africa can access our comprehensive mix of cost-effective solutions that provide power security and carbon reduction. These include solar energy, battery storage, wheeling, and energy management, among others.
The future is bright. If 2023 was anything to go by in terms of transformation for the energy sector, 2024 will be marked by accelerated innovation and a collective commitment to harnessing the full potential of renewable energy that holds the promise of a more resilient, more sustainable, and more tightly connected energy future for Africa.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Starsight Energy.
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