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Zikalala outlines vision to advance EPWP outcomes

Location: News

Zikalala outlines vision to advance EPWP outcomes

Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Sihle Zikalala has called for the restructuring of the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) to make it more responsive to the country’s development needs.

The Minister was addressing the two-day EPWP Phase 5 Indaba in Pretoria on Tuesday.

Zikalala emphasised that youth unemployment is still the most pressing issue across the globe, and was worsened by the devastation emanating from the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The South African youth is disproportionately affected, constituting a huge portion of the unemployed youth that feels left out,” Zikalala said.

In the same vein, the Minister said the challenges that have compromised the EPWP must be dealt with.

“…The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure cannot afford to relegate its mandate to be limited to merely reporting on targets than being actively involved itself in creating job opportunities,” Zikalala said.

The Minister said ultimately, the EPWP must lead to enhanced future employability, self-employment, and cooperatives or enterprises that can employ more people.

“Our goal goes beyond employment generation. It is about nurturing a skilled, self-reliant populace that contributes constructively to our nation’s socio-economic fabric.  

“By integrating NYS [National Youth Service] graduates into these workshops, we aim to foster a culture of continuous learning and hands-on experience, ensuring our youth are not just employable, but are drivers of innovation and change.

“Our initiative to absorb some of the NYS graduates from the EPWP into the DPWI workshops is thus a cornerstone of this vision,” Zikalala said.

Breaking unemployment barriers

The Minister said some young adults, now in their 40s, have never had the opportunity to work.

“Youth unemployment is still the most pressing issue across the globe, and this was worsened by the devastation emanating from the COVID-19 pandemic. The unemployment rate remains stubbornly high at 32.6% in South Africa.

“Last month, the United Nations joined many others to describe our unemployment picture as a ticking time bomb,” the Minister said.

He said the country’s fiscal standing must be used as a “call to arms” for fostering a culture of effective coordination across all spheres of government.

“It is also an invitation to collectively devise funding mechanisms that are not just effective, but sustainable.”

EPWP of the Future

According to the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure, the two-day indaba will be an interactive session aimed at the reconceptualisation and redesigning of the EPWP of the Future.

The indaba has brought together a host of stakeholders from all spheres of government, civil society and the private sector to brainstorm on the formulation of the EPWP Phase 5 business plan, which will be presented to Cabinet before the end of the year.

Last year, the DPWI developed the EPWP Policy and it was approved by Cabinet on 31 August 2022 for public consultation.

The EPWP is one of government’s strategies to alleviate poverty through the creation of work opportunities using labour-intensive methods.

It is implemented in four sectors, namely: infrastructure, social, environment and culture, and non-State. All spheres of government and State-owned entities are expected to implement the programme. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Tue, 10/10/2023 - 13:26

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Trenton Collaborates With Sneaker Shack

Location: MyPR

The renowned international fashion brand Trenton, teamed up with South Africa’s largest sneaker laundry, Sneaker Shack, to launch their latest campaign. This campaign focusses on refreshing and reviving your UGG sneakers keeping it looking fresh throughout the season. As a token of appreciation to their customers for their loyalty, Trenton is offering customers a free …

Read moreTrenton Collaborates With Sneaker Shack

Rip Curl Surfers Earn Podiums

Location: MyPR

Rip Curl surfers made it onto the podiums at various contests and age divisions in a flurry of junior surfing events in the Eastern Cape.  East London’s Gemma Hanafey was the U18 surfer making three finals out of three events. She placed fourth in the Rip Curl GromSearch Seal Point; in the Sea Harvest SA …

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Eskom board chairperson steps down

Location: News

Eskom board chairperson steps down

Eskom board chairperson, Mpho Makwana, is expected to step down from his role at the power utility’s next AGM scheduled for the end of October.

This was announced by the Department of Public Enterprises (DPE) in a statement.

Makwana is expected to be replaced by current board member, Mteto Nyati, as chairperson, with a handover process to be done throughout this month.

Public Enterprises Minister Pravin Gordhan said: “We wish to thank Mr Makwana for his contribution during the most difficult time for Eskom. We wish him well in his future endeavours.

“Our efforts to stabilise Eskom and restructure it into three subsidiaries -- generation, transmission and distribution -- remain on track. As government, we are committed to ensuring that Eskom has the right skills, talent and experience to support our pursuit of a more secure energy future for South Africans.”

Makwana wished the power utility success.

“I am grateful for the opportunity afforded to me by the government of the Republic of South Africa to serve a second term as chairperson of the Board of Directors of Eskom SOC Limited. I wish Eskom and its people success, and thank its committed stewards for their unstinting efforts to revive the utility.

“I thank the Minister for the positive, amicable manner upon which we conclude my tenure,” Makwana said. – SAnews.gov.za 

NeoB
Tue, 10/10/2023 - 09:31

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SA participates in Indian Ocean Rim Association meeting

Location: News

SA participates in Indian Ocean Rim Association meeting

International Relations and Cooperation Minister, Dr Naledi Pandor, will take part in the 23rd Council of Ministers (COM) meeting of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA).

The meeting will be held in Sri Lanka on Wednesday, 11 October 2023. 

According to a Department of International Relations and Cooperation statement, the theme will focus on strengthening regional architecture and reinforcing the Indian Ocean identity. 

“It is expected that the COM meeting will take stock of the progress that the association has made since the last meeting in Bangladesh and discuss future initiatives,” said the department on Monday.

Sri Lanka will assume the role of IORA Chair from 2023 to 2025, taking over from Bangladesh, while India will become the Vice-Chair.

“IORA is an economic cooperative community of coastal and island states whose shores are washed by the Indian Ocean. It is a charter-based regional multilateral organisation that is collegial in nature.

“IORA seeks to build and expand understanding and mutually beneficial cooperation through a consensus-based, evolutionary and non-intrusive approach,” said the department.

The department believes that cooperation among IORA member states is based on sovereign equality, territorial integrity, political independence, non-interference in internal affairs, peaceful coexistence, and mutual benefit.

“South Africa views IORA as an important platform for the articulation of our foreign policy, which upholds the importance of multilateralism and global collaboration in resolving the intricate challenges facing the world,” it said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

Gabisile
Tue, 10/10/2023 - 09:52

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UNLOCKING SOUTH AFRICA’S FUTURE: The critical role of quality Early Childhood Development and Education

Location: MyPR

In a world where investing in the future is paramount, no investment is more crucial than that in early childhood development. Research¹ has shown that the first one thousand days in a child’s life could hold the key to unlocking their lifelong potential. By age five, almost 90% of a child’s brain is developed, making …

Read moreUNLOCKING SOUTH AFRICA’S FUTURE: The critical role of quality Early Childhood Development and Education

New Border Management Authority a boost for SA’s security and development

Location: News

New Border Management Authority a boost for SA’s security and development

President Cyril Ramaphosa has used his weekly newsletter to the nation to highlight the importance of the New Border Management Authority (BMA) in boosting the country’s security and development.

The President said that the establishment of the BMA is a significant step towards safer communities, better law enforcement and the growth of the economy through greater trade with the country's neighbours.
 
President Ramaphosa emphasised that ensuring the borders are well-managed and well-protected is key to the security and development of the country. 

“Maintaining the integrity of our country’s borders is key if we are to realise the aspiration of every South African to live in peace and harmony with ourselves and our neighbours.
 
“It is a daunting undertaking. Our land border is over 4 800 km long and is shared with six countries. We have 53 land ports of entry, 11 international airports and eight sea ports.
 
“The launch last week of the country’s first integrated, unified Border Management Authority (BMA) is therefore a milestone in the necessary effort to secure our borders,” the President said. 
   
Turning to the challenges faced on our borders, the President said that they are both historical and contemporary.
 
He highlighted that the apartheid regime flagrantly disregarded the sovereignty of neighbouring countries to conduct illegal cross-border raids.

He added that “it abused immigration measures to harass its opponents, and enforced hated policies like influx control and the exploitation of labour from the region.”
 
President Ramaphosa told the nation that it then became the priority of the democratic government elected in 1994 to progressively reform the border management and migration regime, not just in the interests of economic growth and development, but also so that these reforms should reflect the broader values of the new state.
 
“The democratic government has worked to uphold the right of citizens to freedom of movement and residence, as well as the rights of refugees and asylum-seekers under international conventions. 

“It also sought to deepen trade and investment between South Africa and other Southern African countries, and contribute to the political and economic integration of the African continent,” he said. 
 
Over time, however, he said, the complexities of border management have resulted in an uncoordinated approach by the various authorities.

He highlighted that one of the challenges has been the sheer number of government departments and entities involved in this work. This includes the absence of a central authority which led to fragmentation of efforts and made it difficult to enforce accountability. This in turn rendered the country’s borders vulnerable. 
 
The UN Office on Drugs and Crime has noted that South Africa has become an important transit route for organised criminal networks involved in human trafficking, drugs and small arms smuggling and various other forms of cross-border crime.
 
It has also noted that as the economic powerhouse of the region, South Africa continues to attract economic migrants who are undocumented, especially from the SADC region.
 
The President said that the proliferation of cross-border crime, illicit trade and illegal migration as a result of porous borders presents a serious threat to national security and  the economy. He added that it also places strain on already stretched resources and public services, and fuels social instability. 

“We have in recent times seen anti-foreigner sentiment resulting in acts of violence and harassment. As a country, we must condemn without reservation all acts of violence against foreign nationals, regardless of their immigration status, and work together to prevent such acts.
 
“At the same time, we must recognise that South Africans are justifiably concerned about illegal migration. Like any sovereign nation, we have the right to guarantee the integrity of our borders and provide that all who reside in our borders have a legal right to be here. 

“Those who have sought refuge in South Africa or wish to live and work here are subject to immigration regulations and must adhere to the country’s laws,” the President said. 
 
The Border Management Authority is tasked with ensuring that the country’s immigration laws are enforced, and that the borders are well-protected and ports of entry well-managed.
 
The new authority is now the third armed service in South Africa after the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and the South African Police Service (SAPS).
 
The first officers of the new BMA border guard were deployed in July this year at vulnerable segments of the border, including at informal crossings. 

Although they will be conducting border law enforcement functions, including access control, the SANDF remains responsible for border protection and safeguarding.
 
With this new structure in place, President Ramaphosa said the country will also be able to better prevent the illegal importation and exit of goods, curb illegal migration and human smuggling, and combat cross-border crime. 
 
The BMA will take on the work of several other departments and agencies and is already working with the South African Revenue Service, SAPS and SANDF to integrate border management functions. – SAnews.gov.za

DikelediM
Mon, 10/09/2023 - 10:14

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Listen Up, Our Children Maintain Something to Say About Recycling Plastics

Location: MyPR

Take The Work Out of Recycling, By Recycling at Work. Our children hold more wisdom than we can imagine, especially when it comes to protecting the environment. Children across the country have therefore embraced the importance of recycling used plastic packaging. ‘Return The Favour. Recycle Your Plastics.’, a campaign launched by Polyco in 2022, demonstrated …

Read moreListen Up, Our Children Maintain Something to Say About Recycling Plastics

Entrepreneurial sisters venture into US market

Location: News

Entrepreneurial sisters venture into US market

It was a drive to explore international trade that saw entrepreneurial sisters, Michelle and Mo Mokone, grabbing an opportunity to venture into the United States of America market.

The pair are the co-owners of Mo’s Crib, a company that produces a range of handmade home décor products. 

Their product range includes handwoven baskets, planters, trays, wall art and home outdoor items. It was in 2021 that the pair decided to take advantage of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), a United States Trade Act, which was enacted in May 2000.  

AGOA allows 35 qualifying Sub-Saharan countries to export 1 835 tariff lines - duty-free - to a significant consumer market in the US.

Michelle Mokone, who is the Operations and Supply Chain Director of Mo’s Crib, says their products are manufactured from unique materials such as ultra-durable polyvinyl chloride plastic, reclaimed from landfills and construction sites throughout South Africa, and various types of grass. 

All this is underpinned by a particular interest in the protection of the environment.

“Our mission is to leverage the craftsmanship of South African artisans to help accelerate awareness about the most pressing environmental and social issues faced today.

“With every sale, we are creating economic and educational opportunities for South African men and women, while diverting plastic waste from the natural resources of our hometown of Pretoria,” Michelle said.

In addition to safeguarding the natural environment, the Mokone sisters are deeply committed to the development of the people in their community.

“We are striving to create opportunities and make a meaningful impact. We would like to grow our footprint beyond the USA and enter new markets, such as Europe and the United Arab Emirates. We have our own internal plan to create 20 new jobs within the next two to three years,” Michelle said.

She said a forwarding agent assisted them with the compliance and administration process to booking various containers.

“Since 2021, we have shipped a total of eight containers to the USA. We are on track to ship two more containers before year end of 2023.  We also regularly ship a container to fulfil our orders for our online store, which is fulfilled through our warehouse in New Jersey.

“Although shipping is relatively expensive, especially for a small business that is 100% self-funded, we have benefited from the AGOA Act through significant market access.  Currently, the USA orders constitute 60% of our overall revenue,” she said.

South Africa is working to secure a renewal and extension of AGOA, including through direct engagement between government and business representatives, as well as with members of the US Senate and Congress across party-political lines. 

During a recent parliamentary briefing, Trade, Industry and Competition Minister, Ebrahim Patel, told Members of Parliament that South Africa’s participation in AGOA benefits neighbouring countries through shared value chains. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Mon, 10/09/2023 - 10:54

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Mashaba Tours: Unveiling the Rich Tapestry of Soweto and Beyond

Location: MyPR

In the heart of South Africa, where history, culture, and vibrant communities converge, Mashaba Tours stands as a bridge to the past and a gateway to understanding the present. With a diverse range of tour options, they offer an immersive experience that reveals the intricate layers of Soweto and Johannesburg’s history and culture. More info …

Read moreMashaba Tours: Unveiling the Rich Tapestry of Soweto and Beyond

Moove rolls out R284m Investment Conference pledge

Location: News

Moove rolls out R284m Investment Conference pledge

Moove, a mobility financial technology (fintech) company, has rolled out a R284 million investment, which it pledged at the fifth South African Investment Conference hosted by President Cyril Ramaphosa in April 2023.                                                 

As an impact driven fintech, Moove exists to provide financial services to those who are unbanked or underserved by traditional lenders, so they can obtain revenue-based financing and access a path to asset ownership and financial stability.

It does this by embedding its alternative credit scoring technology onto ride-hailing, logistics, mass transit, and instant delivery platforms, using proprietary performance and revenue analytics to underwrite customers that have previously been excluded from financial services.

“The pledged amount of R284 million was invested in the purchase of more than 2 000 vehicles in Cape Town and Johannesburg.

“These vehicles were deployed to mobility entrepreneurs operating in these cities. Further investment of R300 million will soon be allocated to the purchase of 1 400 new vehicles, with further funding and vehicle allocation taking place in 2024,” said the Managing Director of Moove South Africa, Warren Peters.

Peters said the initial investment created over 2 000 jobs across mobility entrepreneurs, Moove employees and the technical resources employed at dealerships in Johannesburg and Cape Town.

“We anticipate future funding to create opportunities for an additional 1 400 mobility entrepreneurs and an estimated 50 additional jobs through our network of partners and service providers,” Peters said.

The investment, Peters said, allows Moove to offer financial inclusion to mobility entrepreneurs. It creates opportunities for deserving South Africans, who are currently excluded from access to certain financial services, and who aspire to become mobility entrepreneurs and asset owners.

Moove operates in various cities across Africa, the Middle East, Europe and India. These include Lagos, Cape Town, Johannesburg, Dubai, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Mumbai and London. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Mon, 10/09/2023 - 14:44

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Critical Minerals Africa 2023: Securing Supply Chains into the Future

Location: News
Energy Capital & Power

A forward-looking panel at Critical Minerals Africa (CMA) 2023 (https://CriticalMineralsAfrica.com/) will explore how technology, sustainable practices and localization can ensure stable and secure critical minerals supplies, under the theme, The Future Minerals Economy and the Resilience of Supply Chains.

Panelists include Dr. Marit Y. Kitaw, Interim Director of the African Minerals Development Center (AMDC), Ethiopia; Deshan Naido, Managing Director of AQORA, South Africa; Duma Sisulu, Co-Founder & Chief Analyst at Parime Battery Minerals, South Africa; Alex Benkenstein, Head of the Climate and Natural Resources Program at the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA); and Kwasi Ampofo, Head of Metals and Mining at BloombergNEF. The panel will be moderated by Olimpia Pilch, Founder and Chief Operating Officer of the Critical Minerals International Alliance, UK.

As demand changes and complexities increase, African and global mineral supply chains are undergoing several transformations to better manage supply disruptions and price fluctuations, from adopting digitalization to strengthening local and regional outputs. The panel will explore how market instability – triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic and Russia-Ukraine war – has accelerated the need for localized supply chains and how African countries can ensure their demand for critical and industrial minerals is met, while foreign markets like the US and Europe seek to secure their own supplies.

The panel will evaluate the strength of Africa's existing local and regional supply chains, strategies for improving operational efficiencies and the role of cross-border cooperation and partnerships in ensuring supply chain stability and resilience. Discussions will also address best practices for decarbonizing mining activities and how circular economy principles can be integrated to maximize resource efficiency and minimize waste, with a view to establishing green supply chains of the future.

Other key developments in the critical minerals space include mining companies diversifying their operations across multiple sectors, while fostering synergy among mining, energy, and oil and gas in the quest for transition minerals. As the sole high-level, dedicated summit for African critical minerals, CMA 2023 will bring these discussions to the forefront, as Africa emerges at the center of global hub activities.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

The Critical Minerals Africa 2023 summit on October 17-19 serves to position Africa as the primary investment destination for critical minerals. The event is organized by Energy Capital & Power and held alongside the African Energy Week 2023 conference (https://AECWeek.com) on October 16-20, offering delegates access to the full scope of energy, mining and finance leaders in Cape Town.

Sponsors, exhibitors and delegates can learn more by contacting  sales@energycapitalpower.com 

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Energy Capital & Power
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SAPVIA launches Solar PV Data Portal for members

Location: MyPR

The South African Photovoltaic Industry Association (SAPVIA) has launched a new data portal that gives its members access to periodic data about solar installations across the country. The project, in collaboration with GEOTERRAIMAGE (GTI), was launched this week. GTI leveraged years of expertise in satellite image interpretation and analysis to develop advanced machine learning methods …

Read moreSAPVIA launches Solar PV Data Portal for members

Police dealing decisively with crime ahead of festive season: Masemola

Location: News

Police dealing decisively with crime ahead of festive season: Masemola

The National Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS), General Fannie Masemola, has reassured that police will continue to deal decisively with criminals ahead of the busy festive season.

Through Operation Shanela, police continue to “dislodge and disrupt activities of organised crime syndicates” linked to serious and violent crimes, especially aggravated armed robberies such as cash-in-transit (CIT) heists.

Masemola said police remain on course to sniff out more syndicates. He said police “will not negotiate with criminals”.

“We are tailoring our operations to ensure that a strong presence of police is felt on the ground. We are investing in our police to ensure they are operationally ready and have the required resources,” Masemola said.

In the latest takedown operation, Gauteng police arrested four suspects linked to a CIT robbery, which took place in Kaalfontein, near Tembisa.

The suspects were traced to various addresses in Tembisa. In their possession, police found a Mercedes Benz alleged to be used as a getaway vehicle, dye stained money, explosives and an AK47.

In their preliminary investigation, the police have established that the Mercedes Benz that has been recovered was hijacked in Springs earlier this year. The owner of the vehicle will be traced and informed accordingly.

In KwaZulu-Natal, four suspects were shot and killed during a confrontation with police at a home utilised as a safe haven for the syndicate in KwaMashu on Friday morning.

In their possession, police found four firearms including an AK47, explosives and false vehicle number plates.

The Hawks also arrested a 38-year-old Zimbabwean national, who was found with explosives on Friday morning. The team was following up on information when a bus from Zimbabwe, heading to Johannesburg, was pulled over on the N14.

The team is investigating the possibility of such explosives being utilised in the spate of CITs in the country. Investigations continue to trace the origin of the explosives and where they were destined.

The police are also appealing to communities not to pick up money at CIT crime scenes, as this amounts to theft and defeating the ends of justice.

According to the police, CIT crime scenes are dangerous and can also pose a risk for the loss of life.

High-density operations are being intensified through regular roadblocks, stop and searches and the tracing of wanted suspects across the country to ensure the safety and security of all people living in South Africa.

“Day in and day out, we are taking down these criminals one by one! These takedowns must serve as a deterrent to those involved in these aggravated robberies. We are ushering in the festive season and we are prepared to deal decisively with crime and criminals in all forms and shape,” Masemola said. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Mon, 10/09/2023 - 11:33

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Parliament should Strengthen Oversight to Ensure Acceleration of Socio-Economic Development

Location: News

Republic of South Africa: The Parliament
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The Chief Whip of the National Council of Provinces, (NCOP), Mr Seiso Mohai, has called on Parliament to strengthen its oversight over the Executive to ensure that best practices and governance models from other countries translate into the acceleration of socio-economic development in South Africa.

Mr Mohai participated as a South African delegate in the 66th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference held in Accra, in Ghana from 30 September to 6 October 2023. He emphasised the importance of Parliament in ensuring that trade agreements that are brought to Parliament by the Executive should indicate how they address national interests.

Mr Mohai participated in the workshop under the theme: “What does sustainable trade and economic development mean for small jurisdictions?”. He said the conference deliberated extensively on the issue of unbalanced trade relations in the African continent particularly in countries that are in the North of Africa and the bigger economies such as the United States.

The deliberations sought to encourage countries in the Africa region so they can address the economic imbalances in the region. He said addressing these challenges is crucial particularly as Africa focuses on Agenda 2063, which focuses on Africa continental free trade which requires the continent to be more coherent and emerge with a common approach in order to deal with common challenges that face it.

Mr Mohai said these deliberations call for South Africa to develop industrial policies that address inequality, promote inclusive economic activity to allow for greater economic opportunities and exploration and provision of new industries through progressive funding models.

The challenge of inequality and unemployment still prevails in the Africa region. It necessitates the industrialisation of the economy to manage trade relations amongst the South-to-South countries. Mr Mohai believes that it is only through the expansion of industrialisation that job opportunities would be created where the majority of people would benefit in the developing countries. This means Africa needs to open its borders to ensure that free continental trade becomes a success.

Mr Mohai added that Parliament will need to have an efficient monitoring and evaluation model that ensures that resolutions taken at these multi-lateral forums are implemented. As an activist Parliament, it is important that the South African Parliament finds resonance with the concerns and frustrations of the people. Economic issues are dominant in the minds of the people and discussions on trade and trade agreements and the laws that govern them should be a priority for the country.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.

Read moreParliament should Strengthen Oversight to Ensure Acceleration of Socio-Economic Development

Henkel South Africa to Partner with Hudson Rubber to Produce Vehicle Sealing and Acoustic Solutions

Location: MyPR

Henkel South Africa is partnering with Hammanskraal-based Hudson Rubber to locally fabricate Henkel’s vehicle rubber sealing and acoustic solutions for OEM vehicle panel reinforcing, noise reduced and vibration protection. Henkel’s patented technology of 2D and 3D sealing and acoustic solutions along with damping materials for the body shop provides robust noise, vibration, harshness protection – …

Read moreHenkel South Africa to Partner with Hudson Rubber to Produce Vehicle Sealing and Acoustic Solutions

President Ramaphosa mourns soldiers who perished in Lohatla fire

Location: News

The Presidency: Republic of South Africa
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President Cyril Ramaphosa has, as Commander-in-Chief of the nation's armed forces, expressed his sadness at the death of six soldiers who died in a Northern Cape fire that struck the SA Army Combat Training Centre at the Lohatla military base. The troops were part of a military exercise named Vukuhlome.

The South African National Defence Force announced on Saturday, 07 October that a wildfire that had originated in Khathu in the Gamagara local municipality had reached the military base where six soldiers died in the blaze while three were injured and the army lost equipment including vehicles.

President Ramaphosa offers his deepest condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of the deceased SANDF members.

The President wishes the injured SANDF members a speedy and comfortable recovery and his thoughts are with survivors who witnessed this tragedy.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency: Republic of South Africa.

Read morePresident Ramaphosa mourns soldiers who perished in Lohatla fire

AfricaIgnite Hosts the African Leg of the Start-up World Cup at Africa Tech Festival

Location: News
Africa Tech Festival

Wait for it…AfricaIgnite, formerly AHUB, Africa Tech Festival's (https://tmt.knect365.com/Africa-Tech-Festival/) flagship event for the African continent's start-ups and innovators, has been announced as the host for the African leg of the globally prestigious Start-Up World Cup 2023, and 10 African start-ups will have the opportunity to pitch for a spot at the grand finale to be held in San Francisco, USA on 1 December 2023.

USD1 million up for grabs – The AfricaIgnite Start-up Pitch showcase will take place at Africa Tech Festival in November in Cape Town, South Africa.  To enter, African early-stage start-ups and scale-ups with seed fundings of up to $15million will need to apply (https://apo-opa.info/3PGV3Lz) by 15 October.  The finalists, to be unveiled on 30 October, will then need to make their way to Cape Town and pitch in front of hundreds of investors and tech leaders on 16 November.

The winner of Africa Tech Festival's pitch competition will then be invited to compete in the grand finale of the Startup World Cup, to be held in San Francisco on 1 December, for that impressive 1 million US dollar investment, in front of industry greats such as ABC's Shark Tank Barbara Corcoran, Sundeep Jain, Chief Product Officer at Uber, Daniel Sturman CTO at Roblox and more.

Since launching in 2016, the festival's start-up platform has been committed to supporting the growth of Africa's nascent entrepreneurs and innovators.  The interest in the offering has grown significantly to the point where AfricaIgnite has now taken on a life-force of its own. 

James Williams, Director, Events | Connecting Africa | Informa Tech: “Africa's bright and forward-thinking minds need a platform to network, get inspired, and co-build a stronger tech start-Up investment ecosystem, which is exactly what AfricaIgnite offers. As Africa Tech Festival, we are excited to be partnering with The Startup World Cup to offer our African colleagues the opportunity they deserve to present their businesses on a global stage. This is a very exciting partnership, and the first, we hope, of many as the continent's innovation sector gathers momentum.”

Investment by the numbers

In 2022, Africa was the only region where start-up investment grew with around USD4.8 billion put into around 1,000 businesses.  That said though, this sum still only represents a paltry 1.2% of all start-up funding raised globally.  However, this is predicted to change quite rapidly in the years ahead as the continent's entrepreneur, start-up and SMME ecosystem fully embraces the digital revolution and connectivity, whilst Africans create the solutions to many of their own, and the world's challenges.

In the 2021 – 2022 period, 37% of investment was channelled to the FinTech space, but its dominance is now being challenged by innovation and new business ideas that solve Africa's energy and waste difficulties.  Other sectors that are attracting interest also include the likes of the telecoms, media and entertainment space, logistics and transport, retail, agriculture, and food, as well as the growing proliferation of deep tech.

“We are very happy to partner up with AfricaTech Festival for the Startup World Cup South Africa Regional and are delighted by the quality and enthusiasm of the start-ups who are competing,” said Anis Uzzaman, Founder and CEO of Pegasus Tech Ventures, who created the Startup World Cup competition in 2016. “Each year we have been able to reach more entrepreneurs in more cities around the world and, in turn, connect more innovation ecosystems to Silicon Valley and the rest of the world.

“We hope this partnership creates new valuable opportunities for the competing start-ups from Africa.”

In good company

Africa Tech Festival also holds its own when it comes to the investor community, with databases of several thousand investors and venture capitalists predominantly spanning Africa and the United States, as well as a strong community of founders, entrepreneurs, and start-ups. 

Aside from the exciting early-stage start-up Pitch Showcase, AfricaIgnite in 2023 is looking to up the ante with a curation of content that is exciting, informative, and definitely going to take participants places.  The AfricaIgnite space located in the AfricaTech Hall will be a centre of activity with an offering of excellent networking and matchmaking between founders and investors, a start-up marketplace and demo area (no pitching required), along with a host of dedicated workshops and masterclasses presented by top professionals.

Delegates, start-ups, and those considering taking a leap of faith into the new world of business, can explore content that covers useful topics such as what to expect from year one as a founder – what to do, get good at and what to ignore; the power of collaboration in building a global company; perfecting the next “X”-tech for future generations; founding, funding and running your start-up in economically challenging times; concept to company – demystifying the entrepreneurial process plus a raft of funding talks and presentations, as well as the all-important insight into exit planning 101!

Never has the time been more right to head to Cape Town 13 – 16 November to be part of the action at Africa Tech Festival, the world's largest and most influential Africa-focused technology, telecoms, and media gathering.  In 2023, expect big things to happen in this space. 

For more information, please see website here: Africa Tech Festival 2023 - The Home of AfricaCom & AfricaTech (https://apo-opa.info/3myppVu)

To apply for the pitch competition, please click here: Africa Tech Festival 2023 – pitch competition (https://apo-opa.info/3PGV3Lz)

View all ticket options for Africa Tech Festival, including start-up passes, here (https://apo-opa.info/3Q04o2r)

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Tech Festival.

For media enquiries, interviews and/or images please contact: 
Kaz Henderson 
kaz@networxpr.co.za or call on +27 (0) 82 339 1199. 

(Please note that all requests are adjudicated and there may be some delay before you hear back from us).

Social Media Handles:
Facebook: https://apo-opa.info/3LIdCxG
Twitter: https://apo-opa.info/3EZ7RYB
LinkedIn: https://apo-opa.info/3EcywR6

About Startup World Cup:
Startup World Cup is a global conference and competition with the goal of bridging start-up ecosystems worldwide. The competition gives start-up companies from all over the world a chance to win a US $1,000,000 prize in the form of an investment. This year, there will be 50+ regional events across North America, South America, Europe, Africa, and Asia, leading up to the Grand Finale in San Francisco in September. Startup World Cup is organized by Pegasus Tech Ventures, a Silicon Valley-based global venture capital firm.

About Africa Tech Festival 2023:
Africa Tech Festival, including anchor events AfricaCom, AfricaTech and AfricaIgnite is part of the Informa Tech Connecting Africa event series.  A vibrant celebration of Africa's diverse community of tech champions, Africa Tech Festival is the largest tech and digital connectivity conference and exhibition in Africa, attracting hundreds of exhibitors, more than 400 speakers and more than 12000 delegates.

Key themes for 2023 continue to explore the creation and sustainability of a connected Africa and the impact this can have for the people of the continent but also the commercial prospects for local and global businesses and governments.  Topics will include Telcos of Tomorrow, Connecting the Next Billion, Digital Infrastructure Investment, Sustainability & Climate Resilience, ICT Policy and Regulation, Fintech & MFS, Broadcast Media & Entertainment, Pioneer Tech, the Future of Work and Talent and Skills Development. Africa Tech Festival also incorporates and the Africa Tech Festival Awards, an exclusive ceremony celebrating Africa's tech pioneers and held at the luxury 5-star The Bay Hotel, as well as the LeadersIn Africa Summit, an exclusive, VIP-only feature offering high-level presentations and roundtable discussions to Africa's tech elite.

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SA calls for terminate to violence between Israel, Palestine

Location: News

SA calls for end to violence between Israel, Palestine

South Africa has called for the immediate cessation of violence, restraint, and peace between Israel and Palestine. 

According to a Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) statement, South Africa is gravely concerned over the recent devastating escalation in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. 

“The new conflagration has arisen from the continued illegal occupation of Palestine land, continued settlement expansion, desecration of the Al-Aqsa Mosque and Christian holy sites, and ongoing oppression of the Palestinian people,” the department said on Saturday.

The region, according to DIRCO, is in desperate need of a credible peace process that delivers on the calls of a “plethora” of previous United Nations (UN) resolutions for a two-state solution and a just and comprehensive peace between Israel and Palestine.

“South Africa, working together with the international community, seeks to ensure a lasting and durable peace that produces a viable, contiguous Palestinian State, existing side-by-side in peace with Israel, within the 1967 internationally recognised borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.” 

The department believes that the UN resolutions and international law matter. 

“The international community cannot avoid its duty to act, and together, we must shoulder the responsibility to remove obstacles to peace and any violations of international law.”

The department said violence, killings, imprisonment, forced removals, illegal settlements, and the continued siege of Gaza are not conducive to resolving the conflict. 

“Urgent attention must be given to resolving the final status issues such as borders, the status of Jerusalem, the release of political prisoners, and the right of return.

“No real and lasting peace in Israel, Palestine, and the region is possible in the absence of a just and comprehensive resolution of the conflict. Israelis, Palestinians, and the region do not stand to gain anything from escalated tensions, increased violence, growing instability, and a continued and protracted violent conflict.”

The department has since called on all sides to seize the opportunity for peace as opposed to violence, and for the international community to actively rise on the side of its international resolutions and establish a credible peace process. 

“South Africa stands ready to share its experience in mediation and conflict resolution as it has done on the continent and around the world.” – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Sun, 10/08/2023 - 12:47

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Read moreSA calls for terminate to violence between Israel, Palestine