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Stage Zero launches alternative energy solutions to free South Africans from load shedding Tipping the balance of power to reduce grid pressure Johannesburg, 13th of December 2023: Stage Zero, an independent power provider in South Africa, has launched a range of reliable, sustainable and affordable energy solutions to alleviate grid pressure and load shedding frustration …
Nine traffic officers in hot water for corruption
Nine traffic officers have been arrested in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal in a pre-festive season peak travel crackdown on fraud and corruption, said the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) on Wednesday.
This as two officers from the Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD) in Gauteng were arrested for soliciting a bribe of R1 500 from a taxi driver. During the encounter, the driver immediately alerted the RTMC’s National Traffic Anti-Corruption Unit (NTACU) and a successful sting operation was conducted, resulting in the arrest of the officers.
The officers are set to appear in court today on corruption charges.
In another case, seven officers were arrested in Newcastle. The seven include five traffic officers employed by the provincial Road Traffic Inspectorate and two officers from the Newcastle municipality.
They were arrested in a joint operation conducted by NTACU and the Hawks following complaints from members of the public regarding the conduct of traffic officers on the road. An undercover operation was conducted and the seven were arrested for fraud and corruption.
According to the RTMC, these incidents highlight the ongoing battle against corruption in South Africa, particularly within law enforcement agencies.
The NTACU continues to work tirelessly to root out corrupt officials and restore public trust in traffic law enforcement.
“It is important for citizens to report all corruption they witness or experience to ensure corrupt officials are brought to book,” said the RTMC.
It added that it has taken a firm stance against fraud and corruption and will continue to investigate and prosecute those who engage in such activities without fear or favour.
Members of the public are encouraged to report suspected acts of fraud, corruption and malfeasance to ntacu@rtmc.co.za or by WhatsApp to 083 293 7989. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Wed, 12/13/2023 - 12:53
By Margaret Soi, Head of Offshore Banking - Mass Affluent Offshore
The purchasing power of Africa's middle class is expected to grow significantly in the coming years: the continent's middle class is expected to spend US$2.1 trillion by 2025 and US$2.5 trillion by 2030, thus creating a further upward momentum in the demand for goods and services.
In sub-Saharan Africa alone (excluding South Africa), a 2018 estimate reported over 100 million middle-class individuals with a total purchasing power of over US$400 million per day – with financial services, especially around wealth management and investments, expected to receive a boost from the massive growth in disposable incomes.
Surprisingly then, Capgemini's 2022 wealth management executive survey found that only 27% of wealth management firms currently serve mass affluent clients, and only 36% firms are even exploring mass affluent services. No wonder then that banks believe that the mass affluent segment, representing those with investable assets more than US$50,000 and less than US$5m in wealth, is both undervalued, underinvested and underserved.
What does a typical mass affluent customer look like?
At the outset, it is important to note that this segment is financially and digitally savvy, is fee-sensitive, and likes to shop around for various options, not hesitating to spread their assets across providers. Apart from these generic characteristics that are true of the mass affluent in all parts of the world, Bank One's experience of sub-Saharan Africa's mass affluent segment shows us that a broad customer profile spans across any one or a combination of the following characteristics:
Needless to say, an individual who identifies with the above descriptions and aspirations would be considering banks in jurisdictions that support offshore banking, be it Singapore, Dubai, Hong Kong at a global level or a Mauritius and Seychelles at a regional level.
Why Bank One is in a prime position to serve the banking needs of the mass affluent?
While traditional banks in sub-Saharan Africa do see the promise of this emerging segment, they are simply not sure how to approach it. At Bank One, we have already crossed the first hurdle – that of definitively acknowledging that this segment exists in our region of operation – and have moved on to carving out a value proposition around their specific needs for banking services that Bank One is uniquely positioned to meet.
Indeed, Bank One considers itself to be in a prime position to deliver such services from our headquarters in Mauritius. We have rolled out our offerings for the mass affluent segment in the East African market since 2020 – taking advantage of the significant presence of our shareholders, I&M Holdings PLC and CIEL Group – and are currently targeting the Western and Southern African territories based on our acquired experience from East Africa. As the business grew, we decided to set up permanent resources in Kenya and Uganda alongside our seamless digital onboarding process, in adherence to the prevailing legal and regulatory requirements, which has endeared our solutions and made them more accessible to our clients.
We understand that we need to be proactive in serving the everchanging needs of mass affluent clients by providing banking solutions that resonate with their phase of life whilst helping them safeguard, invest and grow their assets.
With their rapid adoption of digital-first channels and self-service capabilities, this segment embarked on their first financial journey with FinTech firms that are thriving across the region. Hence, the mass affluent expect firms at a more mature stage of their financial planning, such as traditional banks, to offer personalised solutions and unique insights in order to see the value in such services. It is also evident that financial planning is of critical importance for this segment that also shows a keen response to incentives to bring about a holistic relationship – for example, offering better rates on mortgages if they maintain a certain threshold in assets under management with the same bank.
Finally, this segment values, above all, a consolidated and insightful view of their end-to-end financial situation, with technology touchpoints providing data-backed advice on how their assets should be managed. As a bank that wants to be successful in providing solutions and proactively managing clients in this market, these key considerations are cemented into our business strategy and ably executed by trusted advisors in the form of our dedicated relationship managers.
At a more holistic level, we recognize the importance of a customized approach to successfully provide banking and wealth products to mass affluent clients. Indeed, such value add could be as simple as helping them to understand how our offerings bring certain key benefits in their wake, which can help them achieve, and exceed, their financial goals – and acting as a partner in achieving their aspirations that are in turn fuelling the growth of the region at large.
As a self-described ‘From Africa, For Africa' banking institution, Bank One aims to unlock a world of opportunity for such upwardly mobile clients. For instance, our mass affluent clients are now able to access personalised offshore banking services – which was an offering previously available exclusively to HNWIs until recently. We have also proudly opened our doors to support such individuals in gaining access to global investment markets.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Bank One Limited.
FUTURELIFE® makes Festive Season gifting easy with their new range The holiday season is a time for warmth, joy, and giving. While the sentiment behind gift-giving is priceless, finding the perfect presents doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. This Festive Season, FUTURELIFE® is offering thoughtful, budget-friendly ‘Secret Santa’ ideas that will spread …
Support for democracy remains high in Africa - President Ramaphosa
President Cyril Ramaphosa says democracy will continue to grow and thrive in Africa despite the challenges that the continent faces.
The President was speaking during the 20th anniversary celebration of the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) held in Johannesburg on Tuesday evening.
The APRM is an institution of the African Union and serves as a platform for self-assessment, peer-learning, and experience sharing in democracy and good governance for countries that have acceded to it.
“As we celebrate 20 years since the founding of the APRM, we should acknowledge that, despite the setbacks, democracy indices in Africa are strong and resilient. Public support for democracy remains high across the continent.
“Africa has an active citizenry. Electorates are showing time and again their rejection of authoritarianism and other threats to democracy. In no small part, the APRM has contributed to strengthening and consolidating democracy across our continent.
“This is a clear demonstration that democracy lives and thrives in Africa. It is a firm rejection of the hopeless continent narrative that has prevailed for so long. We are proud of how far we have come, and we look to the future with optimism and hope.”
President Ramaphosa laid out some of the challenges that are besetting the continent and added that these test “our collective resolve to ensure the APRM remains relevant”.
“Over the past three years there have been a number of coups d’etat, attempted coups and other non-democratic transitions of power in Africa. A number of countries in Africa are beset by terrible and protracted conflicts, wars and violence causing devastating loss of human life, livelihoods that are disrupted and economic productivity that is destroyed.
“Elsewhere also on our continent we are also witnessing democratic gains being rolled back, fundamental rights and freedoms being curtailed, and the positions of already vulnerable groups on our continent worsening.
“These developments should trouble all of us. They are setbacks in our quest to realise…the Africa we want, one that is characterised by good governance, one that is underpinned by democracy, by respect for human rights, justice, and the rule of law. Never has the need been greater for a structure like the APRM,” he said.
Second Generation Country Review Report
The event also marked the launch of the South Africa Second Generation Country Review Report which gives insights into the progress made by the country in various areas.
President Ramaphosa said the report will serve as an “important knowledge base and provides a foundation for improving governance”.
“The report reflects South Africa’s ongoing commitment to promoting good governance, especially as we will soon be observing and celebrating 30 years of our own democracy. South Africa was the first country to be offered the opportunity to undertake self-assessment and to be peer reviewed on the respective thematic areas.
“I want to express my appreciation to Bishop Dinis Sengulane who led the external mission that visited South Africa in December 2021. Thanks also go to all national and continental structures as well as stakeholders who ensured the successful conclusion of the self-assessment and peer review process,” President Ramaphosa said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Wed, 12/13/2023 - 10:32
Border Management Authority claims of “human trafficking” of children across the Beitbridge border appear unfounded
Introduction Commercial property in South Africa is a sector characterized by its dynamism and significant impact on the economy. This blog post aims to explore the intricacies of the commercial property market, shedding light on its current trends, challenges, and the potential it holds for investors, businesses, and the broader economy. Overview of South Africa’s …
Mashatile In Vietnam for second leg of Southeast Asia working visit
Deputy President Paul Mashatile has arrived in Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam to begin the second leg of his first working visit to Southeast Asia.
The Deputy President, according to his Office, began his visit on Tuesday with a tour of the Mausoleum and home of the late leader of Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh.
“The Deputy President laid a wreath at the Mausoleum and conveyed a message of support from the people and government of South Africa through the Mausoleum’s visitors’ book,” the statement read.
South Africa and Vietnam enjoy friendly and constructive relations grounded in a shared history of struggle against colonialism and to achieve national freedom.
The two countries also share common values such as the pursuit of multilateral cooperation, peace, and the progressive reform of the institutions of global governance to counter geopolitical inequalities.
South Africa and Vietnam also celebrate 30 years of the establishment of formal diplomatic relations this year.
In the course of the last 30 years, several bilateral legal instruments have been established in various areas of cooperation.
The nations operate an Inter-Governmental Partnership Forum for Economic, Trade, Scientific, Technical and Cultural Cooperation, aimed at facilitating cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
“The Deputy President’s visit follows the visit to South Africa of the Vice President of Vietnam, Vo Thi Anh Xuan, in September this year, where she extended an invitation to the Deputy President to pay a reciprocal official visit to mark the 30-year milestone and further strengthen bilateral ties.”
As part of his duties in Vietnam, the Deputy President will hold official talks with Vice President Vo Thi Anh Xuan, meet Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính, and pay a courtesy call to the Vietnam President Vietnam, Vo Van Thuong.
“He will also meet with the CEOs of some of Vietnam’s largest companies that are looking either to invest in or source goods and services from South Africa. He will also interact with African ambassadors to Vietnam.”
The Deputy President is accompanied in Vietnam by International Relations and Cooperation Deputy Minister Candith Mashego-Dlamini; Trade, Industry and Competition Deputy Minister Nomalungelo Gina; Higher Education, Science and Innovation Deputy Minister Buti Manamela; Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Deputy Minister Maggie Sotyu, and senior government officials. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Wed, 12/13/2023 - 09:50
POTCHEFSTROOM: Jean du Plessis’ defiant ton and a career-best knock from Rubin Hermann steered South Africa A (SA ‘A’) to 298/5...
GQEBERHA: Reeza Hendricks’ attacking intent with the bat together with three wickets by Gerald Coetzee helped the Proteas edge out India...
UIF App and phone-in system launched in September
In South Africa, the process of evicting a tenant has become highly regulated. On top of the legal ramifications, there’s also the human element to consider in the current economic climate. The best option for avoiding eviction hassles for landlords is to find the right tenant from the start. Property professionals weigh in. Stringent Vetting: …
Checkers Sixty60 delivers joy with sweet surprises this holiday season South Africa’s biggest on-demand grocery delivery service, Checkers Sixty60, has joined forces with celebrated chocolatier Beyers Chocolates to spoil hundreds of thousands of customers with a one-of-a-kind treat. From Wednesday 13 December, while stocks last, every Sixty60 order will be accompanied by a limited-edition Sweetie …
The Board of Directors of the African Development Bank Group (www.AfDB.org) has approved a $300 million loan to South Africa to implement its Energy Governance and Climate Resilience Programme.
The Programme prepared in collaboration with other development partners including the World Bank and KfW Development Bank (KfW), will help advance South Africa's energy transition.
It will spur economic growth by furthering structural reforms to restore energy security, promote private sector participation in the electricity market and enhance the operational efficiency of the national power utility Eskom in line with South Africa's Energy Action Plan and the Just Energy Transition Investment Plan (JET IP) 2023–2027.
The Programme will accelerate mitigation and adaptation efforts by promoting renewable energy generation and shifting businesses to low-carbon activities, resulting in lowering the carbon footprint of the South African economy and improving financing for green projects. These expected outcomes align with South Africa's updated Nationally Determined Contribution and the country's Long-term Low-Emissions Development Strategy.
It will ensure the security and affordability of energy for families and small businesses. It will enable the government to increase budget allocations to connect electricity to poor households and establish a mechanism to encourage families and micro- and medium-sized businesses to invest in renewable energy.
The reform priorities discussed with the Government are designed to complement and create synergies with existing support from the African Development Bank and other development finance institutions for the Just Energy Transition.
Through a $629 800 (470 000 UA) grant with co-financing from the Climate Insurance Fund, the Bank will provide support to ensure affected communities are not left behind, crowd in more women as decision-makers and support young entrepreneurs, especially women, to build skills and create jobs for the green economy.
South Africa's country's Energy Governance and Climate Resilience Programme aligns with the African Development Bank's ‘High 5' strategic priorities, especially "Light up and Power Africa", "Industrialise Africa", and "Improve the quality of life for the people of Africa".
Welcoming the operation, Mrs Leila Mokaddem, Director General for Southern Africa, noted the Bank's long-term support to South Africa's energy sector. Energy has the largest share of the Bank's portfolio at 43.4%. The programme complements this support and aligns with the recently approved Country Strategy Paper (CSP) for South Africa, which recognizes the centrality of Energy reforms to achieve economic growth and improve business confidence.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).
Editor's note: A previous version of this press release issued 31 October 2023, included references to potential contribution from the Government of Canada. This has been removed.
Media Contact:
Mansour Diouf
Communication and External Relations Department
Email: media@afdb.org
About the African Development Bank Group:
The African Development Bank Group is Africa's premier development finance institution. It comprises three distinct entities: the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Development Fund (ADF) and the Nigeria Trust Fund (NTF). On the ground in 41 African countries with an external office in Japan, the Bank contributes to the economic development and the social progress of its 54 regional member states. For more information: www.AfDB.org.
Three separate audit reports have shown that over 50% of South Africa’s municipal water systems are not treated to safe drinking standards or, in the worst-case scenarios, are polluted by sewage and other effluents. In both instances, they are unsafe for human consumption. Critically, water experts also warn that a Blue Drop score of less …
By Prabashni Reddy – Marketing Manager at Regent Business School The world we live in has become a hyper-connected world, a strong personal brand is not just a nice-to-have; it’s an essential tool for professional growth and success. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, the way we present ourselves online can significantly impact our …
Seeds for a better 2024 have been sown – President Ramaphosa
Although South Africa continues to face challenges from various quarters, the ground work for a better 2024 has been laid.
This is according to President Cyril Ramaphosa who addressed the nation through his weekly newsletter.
The President acknowledged that 2023 has been a testing year for the country – with intense load shedding, Transnet’s challenges and a sluggish economy being just some of the worst challenges faced.
“Our economy has been weighed down by international events, including the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict and instability in the global economy. Like many across the world, South Africans have faced a substantial rise in the cost of our living. Our post-COVID recovery has been held back by continuing load shedding and inefficiency at our ports and railways.
“Yet, even in these circumstances, companies have continued to invest in our economy. At the fifth South Africa Investment Conference earlier this year, we surpassed our target for new investment commitments over five years. Our economy has grown, albeit too slowly and far below its potential. The number of people in employment has returned to pre-COVID levels, but jobs are still not being created fast enough to reduce levels of our unemployment,” he said.
President Ramaphosa conceded that the electricity crisis is “currently the main threat to our country’s progress”.
However, the work of the Energy Action Plan – launched in July 2022 – is beginning to show results, “giving us greater confidence that we will bring load shedding to an end”.
“While we experienced some of the worst load shedding ever in the first few months of the year, there has been a measurable and steady decline in the severity of load shedding over the last few months.
“Although electricity supply is still not stable, as we experienced in the last few weeks, the overall trend is towards less severe load shedding. Damaged units at the Kusile power station have been returned to service ahead of schedule and plant maintenance has received close attention.
“What gives us hope for even further improvements is the progress that has been made in bringing new electricity generation online. Regulatory reforms we have initiated have enabled a massive increase in private investment in electricity generation, with over 12 000 MW of confirmed projects in development. Following the introduction of tax incentives and financing mechanisms, the amount of installed rooftop solar has more than doubled to over 4 500 MW in the last year,” he said.
Tackling challenges
President Ramaphosa listed several interventions and measures that have been taken to address the country’s challenges including:
On employment, President Ramaphosa said the Presidential Employment Stimulus has created work and livelihood opportunities for some 1.2 million people.
He added that breakthroughs have been made in combatting crime with governance improvements also recorded.
“The SAPS’ economic infrastructure task teams have made important breakthroughs and arrests for illegal mining, cash-in-transit hikes, cable theft, drug smuggling and similar crimes. We have recruited and trained thousands of new police personnel to further strengthen the fight against crime.
“We are implementing legislation to build a more professional, ethical and capable public service. There has been important progress in other areas, including towards the introduction of a National Health Insurance to ensure greater equity in the provision of health care,” he said.
The President said that while “times are still tough” much progress has been made but there is “still some way to go”.
“What is most important is that we have done much of the ground work needed to put our economy on a path of faster growth and job creation. By working together, by staying the course, we have used the last year to lay the basis for a better 2024.
“On Friday this week, we will mark a special public holiday to celebrate the historic victory of the Springboks in the Rugby World Cup. Their victory, alongside many other achievements by South Africans on the global stage, is a reminder of our country’s tremendous strengths and the promise that it holds.
“Let us come together on Friday to remind ourselves of everything that we love about South Africa. Let it be a day of hope, celebration and unity. I wish all South Africans a safe, peaceful and restful festive season as we all prepare for a successful new year,” President Ramaphosa concluded. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Tue, 12/12/2023 - 11:14
President establishes Presidential PhD Initiative to boost innovation
President Cyril Ramaphosa announced on Tuesday that government has established the Presidential PhD Initiative through an initial R1 billion investment from the National Skills Fund in efforts to boost science and technology.
“The first phase aims to expose our country’s brightest young minds to cutting-edge thinking and research by negotiating opportunities at world-leading universities and research centres,” he explained.
President Ramaphosa announced the initiative during the inaugural Presidential Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Plenary in Pretoria.
The President told the attendees that the studies will be to large scale and established research programmes in public research facilities and industry.
The initiative will build critical skills in artificial intelligence research, advanced biotechnology, fuel cell development, battery storage, and next-generation mining.
The country’s first citizen has since called to extend a call to the private sector and international partners to assist in growing the investment for the Presidential PhD Initiative fund to R5 billion by 2030.
He said collaboration is needed to ensure synergy between programmes across the national innovation system.
“We must harness education, science and innovation to protect our natural environment, drive inclusive economic growth and enrich all areas of human endeavour.”
The country’s Commander-in-Chief described the first plenary as an important initiative that brings together government, academia, civil society and industry to collectively drive South Africa’s National System of Innovation (NSI).
In November 2022, the Cabinet adopted the STI Decadal Plan to guide the first 10 years of implementing the 2019 White Paper on STI.
“Science, technology and innovation are essential for economies to thrive and for societies to prosper.
“In the new world of work, in the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, science, technology and innovation determine which countries move forward and which are left behind. Our country has several strengths.”
Citing the 2022 Global Innovation Index published by the World Intellectual Property Organisation, he said South Africa ranked above the upper-middle-income group average in three areas.
These include market sophistication, knowledge and technology outputs, and creative outputs.
According to the index, South Africa also improved the number of patents by origin, citable documents, intellectual property receipts, high-tech manufacturing and high-tech exports.
“However, our performance is mixed for the factors that drive innovation, such as education expenditure, expenditure on research and development and access to information technology.”
The President also highlighted significant strides in higher education including the number of students graduating from public universities from about 60 000 in 1994 to around 230 000 by 2018.
“The share of graduates in science, engineering and technology fields has been increasing compared to graduates in the humanities.”
He also acknowledged that the State needed to significantly increase investment in research and development.
In 2021, gross expenditure on research and development (R&D) in South Africa was 0.6% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP), far below the targeted 1.5%.
“By comparison, in 2022, the United States spent 2.6% and South Korea spent 5% of their respective GDPs on research and development.
“This is a situation that we are determined to turn around. Through greater cooperation between government and industry, we can reverse this trend.”
President Ramaphosa is of the view that the potential of science, technology and innovation to modernise and expand the productive sectors is vast.
He cited the Mandela Mining Precinct and the South African Mining Extraction Research, Development and Innovation initiative, which are aimed at revitalising our mining industry.
Shifting his focus on vaccines, he said Afrigen Biologics, a South African company part-owned by the Industrial Development Corporation, is working on a new tuberculosis vaccine using mRNA technology.
Meanwhile, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation recently allocated US$5 million to Biovac to develop mRNA vaccines using a local platform.
“This grant enables our researchers and scientists to strengthen the pharmaceutical research and vaccine production ecosystem so that we can address both current and future health challenges.”
He said he views innovation as the driver of sustainable job creation and small business development and tackles the realities of climate change.
“From these examples, it is clear that we are certainly progressing, but not at the pace we should be,” he admitted.
“For science, technology and innovation to serve South Africa’s economy and society effectively, we need to aggressively and strategically invest in education and skills development because this is the lifeblood of a modern economy.
“We know that nations such as Japan, South Korea and Germany have science, technology and innovation in the service of their societies, with commendable results.”
However, Nzimande qualified that when they talk about STI, they refer to both the natural and social sciences and humanities.
“For it is only possible to understand, let alone solve the major developmental and existential challenges of the 21st century through invoking the insights of trans-disciplinary knowledge.” – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Tue, 12/12/2023 - 13:58
Introduction In the dynamic landscape of South Africa, property companies play a crucial role in shaping the economic and social fabric of the nation. The Diverse Spectrum of Property Companies South African property companies encompass a wide array of entities, including residential and commercial real estate developers, property management firms, real estate investment trusts (REITs), …
Provisions in the Refugees Act introduced in January 2020 struck down for violating a number of fundamental rights
Introduction Property development in South Africa presents a dynamic and evolving landscape, rich with opportunities and challenges. This blog aims to delve into the various facets of this industry, offering a broad perspective on trends, challenges, and future prospects. Our focus will remain on the industry at large, steering clear of specific company mentions, to …
President establishes Presidential PhD Initiative to boost innovative
President Cyril Ramaphosa announced on Tuesday that government has established the Presidential PhD Initiative through an initial R1 billion investment from the National Skills Fund in efforts to boost science and technology.
“The first phase aims to expose our country’s brightest young minds to cutting-edge thinking and research by negotiating opportunities at world-leading universities and research centres,” he explained.
President Ramaphosa announced the initiative during the inaugural Presidential Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Plenary in Pretoria.
The President told the attendees that the studies will be to large scale and established research programmes in public research facilities and industry.
The initiative will build critical skills in artificial intelligence research, advanced biotechnology, fuel cell development, battery storage, and next-generation mining.
The country’s first citizen has since called to extend a call to the private sector and international partners to assist in growing the investment for the Presidential PhD Initiative fund to R5 billion by 2030.
He said collaboration is needed to ensure synergy between programmes across the national innovation system.
“We must harness education, science and innovation to protect our natural environment, drive inclusive economic growth and enrich all areas of human endeavour.”
The country’s Commander-in-Chief described the first plenary as an important initiative that brings together government, academia, civil society and industry to collectively drive South Africa’s National System of Innovation (NSI).
In November 2022, the Cabinet adopted the STI Decadal Plan to guide the first 10 years of implementing the 2019 White Paper on STI.
“Science, technology and innovation are essential for economies to thrive and for societies to prosper.
“In the new world of work, in the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, science, technology and innovation determine which countries move forward and which are left behind. Our country has several strengths.”
Citing the 2022 Global Innovation Index published by the World Intellectual Property Organisation, he said South Africa ranked above the upper-middle-income group average in three areas.
These include market sophistication, knowledge and technology outputs, and creative outputs.
According to the index, South Africa also improved the number of patents by origin, citable documents, intellectual property receipts, high-tech manufacturing and high-tech exports.
“However, our performance is mixed for the factors that drive innovation, such as education expenditure, expenditure on research and development and access to information technology.”
The President also highlighted significant strides in higher education including the number of students graduating from public universities from about 60 000 in 1994 to around 230 000 by 2018.
“The share of graduates in science, engineering and technology fields has been increasing compared to graduates in the humanities.”
He also acknowledged that the State needed to significantly increase investment in research and development.
In 2021, gross expenditure on research and development (R&D) in South Africa was 0.6% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP), far below the targeted 1.5%.
“By comparison, in 2022, the United States spent 2.6% and South Korea spent 5% of their respective GDPs on research and development.
“This is a situation that we are determined to turn around. Through greater cooperation between government and industry, we can reverse this trend.”
President Ramaphosa is of the view that the potential of science, technology and innovation to modernise and expand the productive sectors is vast.
He cited the Mandela Mining Precinct and the South African Mining Extraction Research, Development and Innovation initiative, which are aimed at revitalising our mining industry.
Shifting his focus on vaccines, he said Afrigen Biologics, a South African company part-owned by the Industrial Development Corporation, is working on a new tuberculosis vaccine using mRNA technology.
Meanwhile, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation recently allocated US$5 million to Biovac to develop mRNA vaccines using a local platform.
“This grant enables our researchers and scientists to strengthen the pharmaceutical research and vaccine production ecosystem so that we can address both current and future health challenges.”
He said he views innovation as the driver of sustainable job creation and small business development and tackles the realities of climate change.
“From these examples, it is clear that we are certainly progressing, but not at the pace we should be,” he admitted.
“For science, technology and innovation to serve South Africa’s economy and society effectively, we need to aggressively and strategically invest in education and skills development because this is the lifeblood of a modern economy.
“We know that nations such as Japan, South Korea and Germany have science, technology and innovation in the service of their societies, with commendable results.”
However, Nzimande qualified that when they talk about STI, they refer to both the natural and social sciences and humanities.
“For it is only possible to understand, let alone solve the major developmental and existential challenges of the 21st century through invoking the insights of trans-disciplinary knowledge.” – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Tue, 12/12/2023 - 13:58
Cranes added at Transnet’s Cape Town Container Terminal to boost productivity
Transnet’s Cape Town Container Terminal (CTCT) has received a delivery of seven pre-used rubber-tyred gantry cranes (RTGs).
The acquisition of the RTGs is part of the State-owned entity’s turnaround plan, whose key priorities include equipment availability, in order to support operational efficiencies.
Western Cape Terminals Managing Executive, Andiswa Dlanga, said: “The acquisition of additional RTGs in our terminal will go a long way in offering a reliable service to our customers, a much-needed boost for the growth of the Western Cape and South Africa's economy.
“As a business, we are committed to deliver on our promise to customers and industry, thus equipment availability and reliability are at the core of what we do. These additional machines will enable us to improve operational performance and turn-around vessels on time”.
In a statement, Transnet Port Terminals [TPT] explained that the new cranes will bring the number of TRGs operating at the CTCT to 27 – a timely boost as ahead of the peak of the deciduous season which is the terminal’s busiest time.
“Out of the 20 RTGs, seven of them were recently fitted with new engines and three with generators. CTCT is currently completing maintenance repairs on two additional RTGs, which will bring the total number to 29. Over the next few days, the engineering team will spend time commissioning all the seven RTGs to ensure readiness before they are officially handed over to operations. Concurrently, the operations team will roll out training to operators who will be working on the additional RTG machines.
“The acquisition of RTGs is a display of TPT’s commitment to the industry and stakeholders as more reliable equipment directly leads to improved productivity while also ensuring seamless vessel movement within the port,” the statement read. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Tue, 12/12/2023 - 11:29
Tasneem Motala is a Senior Lecturer: Operations Management at Stellenbosch Business School and one of the researchers who reviewed South Africa’s first four-day week trial. For the South African results released visit https://www.4dayweek.com/sa-2023-pilot-results When the four-day week trial started, there was a healthy scepticism about whether it could work in South Africa. This question was …