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President Ramaphosa to receive Census 2022 results

Location: News

President Ramaphosa to receive Census 2022 results

President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to receive South Africa's Census 2022 national results from Statistics South Africa (Stats SA).

The Statistician-General, Risenga Maluleke, will officially hand over the report to the President and announce the results of the population and housing count to the country at the Union Buildings in Pretoria on Tuesday

Census 2022, according to the Presidency, was the fourth population and housing count in post-apartheid South Africa, with the first conducted in 1996, with subsequent censuses being conducted in 2001 and 2011.

The population and housing census was conducted in February 2022 and will provide comprehensive data on population size, demographic trends, and other service delivery-related information.

Stats SA will be following the trend adopted by many countries and data will be released in phases.

For phase one, the Census 2022 launch will only cover reports and indicators at the national, provincial, district and local municipality levels.

“Census data is an important data source used for planning and evidence-based decision making by government and various sectors of society. 

“The census population count provides data on the demographic, economic and social makeup of the country. Furthermore, findings from censuses are key in tracking service delivery programmes over time," said the Presidency. – SAnews.gov.za

 

Gabisile
Sun, 10/08/2023 - 11:24

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Read morePresident Ramaphosa to receive Census 2022 results

Watch: Son Interviews Father On The Importance Of Eating Breakfast (cutest thing you will see all day!)

Location: MyPR

Are you teaching your children about a good breakfast? Thembile Nyathi, an 11-year-old learner at Leresche Primary in Orlando East, Soweto, has captured hearts and brought smiles to faces with his heart-warming interview of his father, as part of the Rama Good Breakfast Programme. In this video, Thembile’s father, Silingo, candidly discusses his breakfast choices, …

Read moreWatch: Son Interviews Father On The Importance Of Eating Breakfast (cutest thing you will see all day!)

Kzn Mec Celebrates With Futurelife® At Factory Opening

Location: MyPR

Leading food company, wholly-owned by PepsiCo South Africa, FUTURELIFE®, today celebrated the grand opening of its new cutting-edge manufacturing facility at Dube TradePort Special Economic Zone (SEZ), in Kwa-Zulu Natal. This event brought together key government officials, business leaders, and FUTURELIFE® employees. The opening of the facility showcases FUTURELIFE®’s resilience, innovation, and steadfast commitment to …

Read moreKzn Mec Celebrates With Futurelife® At Factory Opening

FUTURELIFE® Celebrates Opening of Second Concept Store in Cape Town

Location: MyPR

CAPE TOWN – FUTURELIFE®, a leading health and wellness brand, is excited to announce the grand opening of its second concept store, set to make waves in Canal Walk, Cape Town. Building upon the resounding success of its inaugural store in Umhlanga’s Oceans Mall, this new establishment redefines health and wellness retail while offering a …

Read moreFUTURELIFE® Celebrates Opening of Second Concept Store in Cape Town

Unlocking Efficiency and Organization with PaperTrail: Your Document Management Solution

Location: MyPR

In the fast-paced world of business, time is of the essence, and every moment counts. That’s why it’s essential to have the right tools in place to streamline your operations and make the most of your valuable time. One such tool that’s revolutionizing document management in South Africa is PaperTrail. About Us.   Spend Less …

Read moreUnlocking Efficiency and Organization with PaperTrail: Your Document Management Solution

Specialised audit skills needed for climate transition

Location: MyPR

Specialised audit skills needed for climate transition Experienced accountants and auditors will be central to new sustainable business strategies as organisations look to meet net-zero targets With governments around the world looking to restructure their economies in response to a looming climate crisis, it is no longer enough for businesses to just donate to environmental …

Read moreSpecialised audit skills needed for climate transition

NOFSA Marks World Osteoporosis Day with a Vision: Building Better Bones and a World without Fragility Fractures

Location: MyPR

The National Osteoporosis Foundation of South Africa (NOFSA) is proud to join the global community in celebrating World Osteoporosis Day on October 20th, 2023. This year’s theme, “Building Better Bones,” underscores the importance of bone health and encourages individuals to take action to prevent osteoporosis and fragility fractures. Together, our vision is a world without …

Read moreNOFSA Marks World Osteoporosis Day with a Vision: Building Better Bones and a World without Fragility Fractures

Tropika Island of Treasure All Stars Wins SAFTA Award for Best Competition Reality Programme

Location: MyPR

Johannesburg, South Africa – October 3, 2023: Tropika Island of Treasure season 10 All Stars has won the South African Film and Television Award (SAFTA) for Best Competition Reality Programme. The award was presented at a star studded ceremony held at Ghallager Estate in Midrand on Saturday, September 30, 2023. Tropika Island of Treasure All …

Read moreTropika Island of Treasure All Stars Wins SAFTA Award for Best Competition Reality Programme

RTMC celebrates two years of excellent driving licence renewal service

Location: News

RTMC celebrates two years of excellent driving licence renewal service

The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) is celebrating two years since it officially opened its doors to its driving licensing centres in Midrand and Eco Park.

“The RTMC takes pride in the strides it has made in an effort to provide a world class service to the citizens of South Africa living in Gauteng. A total of 127 952 have visited the centres and left with broad smiles on their faces,” the RTMC said on Thursday.

Both licensing centres currently use the Smart Enrolment System to capture applicant details.

“The use of this advanced technology eliminates the need to print ID photos for renewal purposes. This does not only enhance efficiency but also improves the overall experience for clients by reducing the time spent at RTMC centres.

“Eliminating the need for printed ID photos aligns with modern practices of reducing carbon emissions in line with the country’s sustainability goals,” the RTMC said.

The Corporation continued to urge all motorists who have applied for new driving licence cards to present themselves for collection as leaving cards uncollected for long periods could lead to those cards being destroyed.

Applicants are encouraged to take advantage of the extended hours and to transact at RTMC centres  seven days a week from 7am – 9pm. – SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Fri, 10/06/2023 - 09:23

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Read moreRTMC celebrates two years of excellent driving licence renewal service

Minister Zulu receives review report on child support grant

Location: News

Minister Zulu receives review report on child support grant

The Child Poverty and the Child Support Grant (CSG) Review Report not only serves as a barometer, but it is an invitation to found, strengthen and activate multilateral partnerships that will undo child poverty in all communities. 

This is according to Social Development Minister Lindiwe Zulu, who received the review report on Friday in Johannesburg, Gauteng. 

“The Review Report is a challenge to all of us to inspire hope, thereby ensuring a brighter future for all children. To reinforce the CSG’s continued relevance, the department is currently working on a policy through which we will be integrating the receipt of children's grants with government’s other basic services in the very near future.

“This policy will ensure that these beneficiaries, namely children, will benefit from receiving the diverse bouquet of government’s interventions that will necessarily improve their human development and dignity,” Zulu said. 

In 2021, the Department of Social Development commissioned the Children’s Institute at the University of Cape Town to conduct a comprehensive review of child poverty and the value of the Child Support Grant (CSG). 
 
In its effort to ensure that the right to access social assistance is afforded to all those who are unable to take care of themselves, the South African government has, through the Department of Social Development, rolled out a massive social assistance programme, the most notable being the CSG.
 
The South African Social Assistance programme stands as a globally recognised model, acknowledged for its strategic role as the nation's primary poverty alleviation initiative.

The CSG has been especially successful at reaching large numbers of poor children with relative ease, earning recognition for its pro-poor targeting among existing social grants.
 
To date, the 13 million children are CSG recipients to the value of R510 a month per child. In the previous financial year (2022/23), the Department of Social Development, through its entity, SASSA, allocated a budget of R77 billion for the payment of this grant. 

The CSG remains one of the country’s successful poverty alleviation programmes, which plays a significant role in positive school outcomes, and research has shown that it has ensured that eligible children receiving the CSG remain in school.

While it is acknowledged that the CSG has had a significant impact in alleviating poverty, it is provided at a value too small to protect the poorest children from hunger, malnutrition, and stunting, the review noted. 

In an effort to augment the current social assistance programme such that it can address the existing gaps, the Department of Social Development said it has, in the past two decades, engaged in policy reforms in the form of scaling up social assistance to cover all the vulnerable groups.
 
The review assessed the state of child poverty in the country, the impact of the CSG on child poverty, as well as the value of the CSG in the context of child poverty and the cost of raising a child. 

The findings of the review are already indicating that poverty rates are higher for women than for men, and higher for children than adults, making it imperative therefore, going forward, to analyse child poverty rates separately, as the extent of child poverty is otherwise obscured by the overall national poverty rates.
 
The review also found that child poverty in South Africa remains racially and geographically distorted, wherein African children and those living in rural areas in the former homelands, are most likely to be poor. 

Child food poverty was also reduced by 20 percentage points from 55% to 33% between 2003 and 2013, as the CSG coverage expanded rapidly with the age threshold being extended from 7 to 18 years. 
 
Several studies demonstrate that the CSG has contributed to improved outcomes for child wellbeing. Furthermore between 2013 and 2019, child poverty rates remained stable and the percentage of children below the upper bound poverty line started to show improvement in 2017.

The review also records that the introduction of the COVID-19 Social Relief of Distress, the caregiver allowance and top-ups to the permanent grants helped to offset increases in child poverty for a few months in 2020. It has been found that these temporary measures to boost grant income “saved” an estimated 1.2 million children from food poverty for a few months.
 
The review also notes that child poverty and hunger rates increased after the caregiver allowance and top-ups ended in October 2020. 

It further reveals that in 2021, child poverty had risen significantly, with 37% of children (over 7 million) living in food poverty and 62% below the upper bound poverty line.

It has also been found that delays in birth registration and CSG applications during lockdown resulted in the number of babies receiving the CSG falling by about 100 000 in 2021 with no recovery to 2019 levels by March 2022.
 
As a result of many years of annual CSG increases below food inflation, the purchasing power of the CSG has been eroded and it no longer covers the cost of food and clothing for a child as originally intended.

The review further highlights that should the status quo continue, the gap between the value of the CSG and the food poverty line will widen further every year, with the rate and number of children living in food poverty continuing to rise.

The study, inter alia, recommends that the food poverty line - at R663/child/month - should be regarded as the absolute minimum, while the upper bound poverty line - at R1 417/child/month - should not be seen as generous. – SAnews.gov.za

DikelediM
Fri, 10/06/2023 - 13:47

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Read moreMinister Zulu receives review report on child support grant

Futurelife invests R75m in Dube Trade Port SEZ facility

Location: News

Futurelife invests R75m in Dube Trade Port SEZ facility

KwaZulu-Natal Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs MEC, Siboniso Duma, says the investment in a new Futurelife manufacturing facility at the Dube Trade Port Special Economic Zone (SEZ) has created hope for a better future for the province.

Duma made the remarks during the launch of a R75 million investment by South African health foods manufacturer, Futurelife, which took occupation in a new manufacturing facility in Dube TradePort, located near the King Shaka International Airport. 

The modern factory is set to streamline Futurelife's production processes, enhancing the organisation's efficiency through the purchase of advanced machinery and equipment that will enable the factory to operate at international standards.  
 
Cutting the ribbon to officially mark the factory opening for business, Duma emphasised the important role that the factory will play in sustainable economic development in KwaZulu-Natal.

Duma said locating the business within the Dube Trade Port SEZ will ensure efficiencies in the operations while reducing the logistics costs.
 
Ahead of the COVID-19 lockdown, about 315 000 people were employed in manufacturing, representing just of 12% of total formal and informal employment. 

He said the plant is an integral part of the provincial industrial strategy which aims to stimulate the manufacturing industry in order to increase employment.

“This launch is a result of your ability to work together to master new state-of-the-art technologies and to do this all on schedule. If we are to realise the province’s full potential and discharge our shared commitment to create a better life for all South Africans, then increased investment in the province is of critical importance. 

“The fact that Futurelife already sources 87% of its raw materials locally, gives local producers an advantage of future upstream integration as Futurelife continues to pursue growth into regional and international markets," Duma said
 
Futurelife, which previously had its operations in Pinetown for 14 years, was fully acquired by food and beverage company, PepsiCo South Africa in 2023. 
 
Former Futurelife Managing Director and now PepsiCo South Africa’s Commercial Vice President Mark Bunn said the exceptional facility is a testament to the company’s commitment to transforming and improving South Africans' health and well-being. 

“The new factory embodies our dedication to contributing positively to the local community and ultimately the broader economy. The company has its origins in KwaZulu-Natal and has experienced significant growth and success within this region and, over time, in South Africa at large. 

“We are, therefore, unwavering in our commitment to giving back to the very community and economy that has played a pivotal role in our journey. Our dedication extends beyond business as usual; it's a pledge to support and enrich the local community and economy through our endeavours, ensuring a lasting positive impact for years to come,” Bunn said.
 
Bunn said the company currently has a staff complement of 186 and anticipates creating an additional 24 direct jobs in the next five years of its operations within the new facility.

He added that the company anticipates growing 30% of its business into export markets in Asia, Middle East, Europe, North America and the rest of the African continent.  
  
Dube Trade Port SEZ CEO, Hamish Erskine said the investment is significant for FutureLife, and serves as a notable endorsement for the SEZ, as an investment destination in South Africa. 

“As the Special Economic Zone operator, we welcome this investment and look forward to working with and supporting FutureLife in their development journey, as we also continue to build a highly secure and functional industrial precinct,” Erskine said.
 
Dube Trade Port Special Economic Zone is home to 46 operational business enterprises, which have collectively created 10 803 jobs, as at March 2023. – SAnews.gov.za

 

GabiK
Fri, 10/06/2023 - 14:20

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Read moreFuturelife invests R75m in Dube Trade Port SEZ facility

Pact to fund STEM postgrad students 

Location: News

Pact to fund STEM postgrad students 

The National Research Foundation (NRF) and the Energy Mobility Education Trust have concluded a three-year partnership agreement to fund postgraduate students in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) and commerce fields. 

The agreement is said to focus on traditionally marginalised groups and contribute to the transformation of the education landscape, with a specific focus on South Africans who are Black, female or people with a disability. 

According to the Energy Mobility Education Trust CEO, Vuyo Mwase, the move will promote academic, scientific, and technological cooperation by supporting full-time studies for South African postgraduate students at the Honours level for the first year and Master’s and Doctoral levels from 2024. 

“The Energy Mobility Education Trust has championed the attainment of formal qualifications in STEM and commerce for over years,” said Mwase. 

The CEO also noted the lack of funding for postgraduate studies. 

“As such, this complementary and strategic partnership with the NRF strengthens our position and commitment to narrowing this gap. Additionally, our partnership will augment the much-needed innovation in developing and managing the current and emerging renewable energy systems,” Mwase explained.  

The programme will initially provide funding opportunities for 38 Honours students for the 2023 academic year, with an initial investment of R6.8 million, with Master’s and Doctoral programmes to start in 2024. 

Funding for postgraduate students will be made available in the STEM disciplines, with a specific focus on mathematical science, data science, computer science, green economy, renewable energy and climate change studies. 

The first phase of the programme will support students from the Universities of Fort Hare, Limpopo, Pretoria, Witwatersrand, Western Cape and Johannesburg. 

The NRF’s Dr Mbulelo Ncango is of the view that the scholarship programme comes at a critical time as South Africa strives to respond to energy and climate change challenges amongst many other national concerns. 

“This partnership is aligned with national policy goals on higher education, science, and technology such as the strengthening of human resource development and the creation of an enabling environment for innovation in South Africa,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Fri, 10/06/2023 - 15:00

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Read morePact to fund STEM postgrad students 

Futurelife invests R75m to Dube TradePort SEZ facility

Location: News

Futurelife invests R75m to Dube TradePort SEZ facility

KwaZulu-Natal Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs MEC, Siboniso Duma, says the investment in a new Futurelife manufacturing facility at the Dube Trade Port Special Economic Zone (SEZ) has created hope for a better future for the province.

Duma made the remarks during the launch of a R75 million investment by South African health foods manufacturer, Futurelife, which took occupation in a new manufacturing facility in Dube TradePort, located near the King Shaka International Airport. 

The modern factory is set to streamline Futurelife's production processes, enhancing the organisation's efficiency through the purchase of advanced machinery and equipment that will enable the factory to operate at international standards.  
 
Cutting the ribbon to officially mark the factory opening for business, Duma emphasised the important role that the factory will play in sustainable economic development in KwaZulu-Natal.

Duma said locating the business within the Dube Trade Port SEZ will ensure efficiencies in the operations while reducing the logistics costs.
 
Ahead of the COVID-19 lockdown, about 315 000 people were employed in manufacturing, representing just of 12% of total formal and informal employment. 

He said the plant is an integral part of the provincial industrial strategy which aims to stimulate the manufacturing industry in order to increase employment.

“This launch is a result of your ability to work together to master new state-of-the-art technologies and to do this all on schedule. If we are to realise the province’s full potential and discharge our shared commitment to create a better life for all South Africans, then increased investment in the province is of critical importance. 

“The fact that Futurelife already sources 87% of its raw materials locally, gives local producers an advantage of future upstream integration as Futurelife continues to pursue growth into regional and international markets," Duma said
 
Futurelife, which previously had its operations in Pinetown for 14 years, was fully acquired by food and beverage company, PepsiCo South Africa in 2023. 
 
Former Futurelife Managing Director and now PepsiCo South Africa’s Commercial Vice President Mark Bunn said the exceptional facility is a testament to the company’s commitment to transforming and improving South Africans' health and well-being. 

“The new factory embodies our dedication to contributing positively to the local community and ultimately the broader economy. The company has its origins in KwaZulu-Natal and has experienced significant growth and success within this region and, over time, in South Africa at large. 

“We are, therefore, unwavering in our commitment to giving back to the very community and economy that has played a pivotal role in our journey. Our dedication extends beyond business as usual; it's a pledge to support and enrich the local community and economy through our endeavours, ensuring a lasting positive impact for years to come,” Bunn said.
 
Bunn said the company currently has a staff complement of 186 and anticipates creating an additional 24 direct jobs in the next five years of its operations within the new facility.

He added that the company anticipates growing 30% of its business into export markets in Asia, Middle East, Europe, North America and the rest of the African continent.  
  
Dube Trade Port SEZ CEO, Hamish Erskine said the investment is significant for FutureLife, and serves as a notable endorsement for the SEZ, as an investment destination in South Africa. 

“As the Special Economic Zone operator, we welcome this investment and look forward to working with and supporting FutureLife in their development journey, as we also continue to build a highly secure and functional industrial precinct,” Erskine said.
 
Dube Trade Port Special Economic Zone is home to 46 operational business enterprises, which have collectively created 10 803 jobs, as at March 2023. – SAnews.gov.za

 

GabiK
Fri, 10/06/2023 - 14:20

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Read moreFuturelife invests R75m to Dube TradePort SEZ facility

President Ramaphosa launches Border Management Authority

Location: News

President Ramaphosa launches Border Management Authority

President Cyril Ramaphosa says the newly launched Border Management Authority (BMA) will provide a sustainable solution to the structural challenges of border security, control and coordination. 

The President emphasised that a more secure border is important for curbing illegal migration, human smuggling and trafficking, and that the BMA will help in combating cross-border crime. 

President Ramaphosa was delivering remarks at the launch of the Border Management Authority (BMA) at Musina Show Grounds in Limpopo on Thursday. 

He said that this will be a new model of integration of functions, roles and responsibilities in the broader law enforcement environment.

“The Border Management Authority is expected to tackle the challenges of congestion, procedural delays, long transit times, lack of predictability and high logistics costs. I commend the Border Management Authority for the speed with which it has already commenced its work.

“When our country’s ports of entry and borders are well-protected and well-managed, we are able to prevent the illegal importation and exit of goods. We see the Border Management Authority as a vital link in our efforts to harness the benefits of the African Continental Free Trade Area,” he said. 

The President said the Border Management Authority was established in response to a number of serious challenges. One of these challenges is the increase in the number of undocumented foreign nationals entering the country, which has exacerbated many of the country’s social and economic problems.

“The movement of persons and goods at ports of entry has often not been as efficient as it should be, resulting in unnecessary delays and increased costs for individuals and companies. This in turn is harming our economy.

"Deficiencies in border management have also enabled corruption and organised and cross-border crime to thrive. We have faced a problem of fragmentation of powers, responsibility and accountability,” the President said. 

The Border Management Authority is now the third armed service in South Africa after the South African National Defence Force and the South African Police Service.

It is mandated to perform border management functions within ports of entry as well as the law enforcement area. The Border Management Authority is being established through an incremental approach.

Steps have already been taken to integrate under the Border Management Authority various relevant functions of the departments of Home Affairs, Agriculture, Health, and Fisheries, Forestry and the Environment.

To enable its work, the President said the Border Management Authority has signed implementation protocols with the South African Revenue Service, Police Service and Defence Force.

“While the border guard will be conducting border law enforcement functions, including access control, the South African National Defence Force remains responsible for border protection and safeguarding.

“The border guard will interface with the nearest police station with regards to the occurrence of a crime at a port of entry,” the President said. 

BMA important tool to develop the region

The President took a tour to the Beit Bridge Border Post with his counterpart from Zimbabwe, President Emmerson Mnangagwa, and they agreed that the establishment of the Border Management Authority will be an important tool for the development of the region. 

“It will form part of integrating border management activities in the SADC region as we implement the African Continental Free Trade Area. We will be able to work towards eradicating various forms of red tape that are hindering trade, investment and the movement of persons,” he said. 

The President said that Border Management Authority will be redeveloping six ports of entries as one-stop-border-posts. 

This approach will improve efficiency at land border crossings by combining the stops required for processing exit and entry formalities.

In July, the country saw the deployment of the first officers of the border guard of the Border Management Authority at vulnerable segments of the border line, including the informal community crossing points. – SAnews.gov.za

 

DikelediM
Fri, 10/06/2023 - 10:20

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Read morePresident Ramaphosa launches Border Management Authority

Establishing Sustainable Raw Material Value Chains

Location: News
Energy Capital & Power

A high-level presentation on the European Union's (EU) AfricaMaVal initiative and related efforts to establish sustainable critical raw material value chains in Africa will be delivered at the upcoming Critical Minerals Africa (CMA) 2023 summit (https://CriticalMineralsAfrica.com). 

Led by Roberto Cecutti, Head of Trade and Economics, EU Delegation to South Africa and Sodhie Naicker, Managing Director of DMT and Kai Batla and Consortium Partner in AfricaMaVal, the presentation is one of several organized for the first day of the conference, serving to promote sustainable partnerships, policies and projects in raw materials and strengthen global critical mineral supply chains.   

The AfricaMaVal project – “Building EU-Africa Partnerships on the Sustainable Raw Materials Value Chain” – aims to ensure responsible mineral sourcing by European countries, while fostering sustainable development and ESG practices across the African continent. The project targets 10 case studies in Morocco, Senegal, Gabon, the DRC, Tanzania, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Namibia, South Africa and Madagascar, with a view to evaluating their respective mining and refining potential and strengthening their existing links to European partners.

Launched in June 2022 and set to run through November 2025, the AfricaMaVal initiative comes as Europe takes a mounting interest in Africa's critical minerals as an alternative supply to China and Russia. The EU has classified rare earth minerals as critical to delivering its flagship Green Deal and digital transition, which targets carbon neutrality by 2050. 

The presentation aligns closely with the broader theme of CMA 2023 – Establishing the Critical Minerals Value Chain of the Future in Africa – which aims to position the continent as a global hub for sustainable mineral exploration, processing, technologies and trade.  

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

Critical Minerals Africa 2023 summit:
Organized by Energy Capital & Power, the Critical Minerals Africa 2023 summit, scheduled for October 17-19, serves to position Africa as the primary investment destination for critical minerals. The event is 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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Eskom Expo honours young scientists with bursaries, cash prizes, and tech rewards

Location: MyPR

At this year’s Eskom Expo International Science Fair, young scientists have reaped the benefits of their hard work and ingenuity, receiving full- and partial bursaries, cash prizes, laptops, tablet computers, and opportunities for work-based exposure during their school holidays. The fair was held at the Birchwood Hotel and OR Tambo Conference Centre in Boksburg from …

Read moreEskom Expo honours young scientists with bursaries, cash prizes, and tech rewards

KZN speeds up pothole repairs

Location: News

KZN speeds up pothole repairs

KwaZulu-Natal Premier, Nomusa Dube-Ncube, has unveiled 55 new trucks, which will be used to improve the turnaround time in addressing pothole patching in the province.

The procurement of the trucks, which were unveiled at the launch of the 2023 October Transport Month campaign, is part of the commitment made by the Premier in her State of the Province Address, where she committed government to improving the provincial road network conditions.

The trucks -- fitted with the latest pothole patching technology -- will be distributed to all Department of Transport District Offices, in a “fast and effective operation”.

The trucks will comprise a team of nine people, who will be responsible for routine and safety maintenance, including pothole patching, blacktop patching, drain cleaning and verge maintenance, among other duties.

Unveiling the trucks, Dube-Ncube emphasised that the transport sector is the heartbeat of the province’s economy, and crucial in the stimulation of socio-economic development of the nation.

She said during October Transport Month, the province will advance road safety initiatives and highlight several economic empowerment initiatives.

“Under the Department of Transport, over the coming months, the province will ensure that employment intensive road maintenance programmes are increased to provide employment opportunities for more women and the vulnerable in our province. The Zibambele Maintenance Programme will create 41 000 job opportunities,” Dube-Ncube said.

This year’s October Transport Month Campaign is being rolled out under the theme: ‘Siyakha – We are building better infrastructure to grow South Africa together!’.

During this month, the Department of Transport and its entities will showcase transport infrastructure services in aviation, maritime, public transport and roads. 

This month will also be used to further advance the country’s road safety initiatives, while creating awareness of the economic benefits of the sector. – SAnews.gov.za

 

GabiK
Fri, 10/06/2023 - 10:31

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Read moreKZN speeds up pothole repairs

SADC – GMI signs agreement to promote sustainable water resources management

Location: News

SADC – GMI signs agreement to promote sustainable water resources management

The Incomati and Maputo Watercourse Commission (INMACOM) and Southern African Development Community – Groundwater Management Institute (SADC – GMI) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to foster the promotion of equitable and reasonable utilisation of water resources of the Incomati and Maputo Basin. 

The agreement also seeks to ensure efficient management and sustainable development of the resources. 

The signing ceremony took place on the sidelines of the 10th SADC River Basin Organisations (RBO) and Shared Watercourse Institutions (SWI) workshop, held at Joachim Chissano Conference Centre in Maputo on 2 - 4 October 2023. 

The workshop aimed to facilitate the exchange of ideas that will enhance effective transboundary water resources planning, development, and management in the region, while ensuring environmental sustainability and resilience in order to improve regional water security, and ultimately reduce poverty through regional integration, economic productivity and industrialisation. 

Through the signed MoU, the two parties have agreed on the following areas of cooperation, amongst others:
•    Engage in academic research on the Incomati and Maputo Basins on items of mutual interest, particularly on groundwater related issues.
•    Share any information that improves the knowledge base on transboundary aquifers in the Incomati and Maputo Basins.
•    Design and undertake joint excursions and projects within the two basins.
•    Explore funding opportunities from various cooperating partners and funders to implement joint activities within the basin. 

INMACOM is an entity established by the Kingdom of Eswatini, Republic of Mozambique, and Republic of South Africa through the Incomati and Maputo Watercourse Commission Establishment Agreement entered into in November 2021.

This is an instrument used to guide the Riparian States in contributing to regional cooperation with regard to the utilisation and development of common water resources. 

The main responsibility of the Commission is to, amongst others, encourage cooperation between the parties to ensure the development, protection and sustainable utilisation of the water resources shared by the Member States.

The Department of Water and Sanitation has welcomed the new development, saying the combined effort by the Member States, through South Africa’s Water and Sanitation, Department of Water Resources in Eswatini and Mozambique’s Department of Water and Natural Resources, could also contribute positively towards “peace, stability and prosperity of the Southern African region”.

“SADC-GMI, is established as the regional Centre of Excellence in promoting equitable and sustainable groundwater management and providing solutions to groundwater challenges across the SADC region for improved livelihoods and socio-economic development. This also forms part of SADC agenda of regional integration and poverty eradication. 

“Furthermore, SADC-GMI mandate is to create an enabling policy, legal and regulatory environment, capacity development, advancing research, supporting groundwater infrastructure development, and create an enabling dialogue and accessibility of groundwater information in the SADC region,” the department said in a statement. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Fri, 10/06/2023 - 09:48

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Read moreSADC – GMI signs agreement to promote sustainable water resources management

MEST Africa Challenge Startup Pitch Competition Deadline Extended

Location: News
The Meltwater Entrepreneurial School of Technology (MEST Africa)

MEST Africa (https://Meltwater.org/) has announced the extension of applications for the MEST Africa Challenge to ensure broader participation from across the continent. Early-stage technology startups operational in Ghana, Nigeria, Senegal, Kenya, and South Africa are invited to participate in the competition to showcase their innovative entrepreneurial businesses. Applications are still open and will be accepted until 16th October 2023.

The MEST Africa Challenge provides significant benefits to participating startups. The winner will secure a USD 50,000 equity investment, accelerating their business' growth. Furthermore, the winner and other exceptional participants will join MEST Africa's global network, opening doors to partnerships, mentorship, and investment opportunities. This platform equips startups to achieve the next level of growth and gain global recognition.

"The enthusiasm and interest we have seen from budding entrepreneurs and prospective applicants across Africa has been truly inspiring. Recognizing this, we have extended the application deadline for the MEST Africa Challenge.  This ensures that every innovative startup gets a fair chance to be a part of this transformative journey. We have seen the pivotal impact this challenge has had on past winners, and we are eager to discover the next game-changing startup that will redefine the African tech landscape" said Ashwin Ravichandran, Portfolio Advisor and MEST Africa Challenge Lead.

In 2022, Senegal's dynamic B2B e-commerce startup, Kwely, won the top spot at the MEST Africa Challenge. Over the years, this renowned competition has become a launchpad for standout startups from across the African continent. From Tanzania's Kilimo Fresh and Ghana's groundbreaking OZE to South Africa's tech innovator, Snode Technologies. Not to mention Kenya's Waya Waya and Nigeria's trailblazer Accounteer. The challenge continually showcases the vibrant entrepreneurial spirit of Africa.

Eligibility Criteria for MAC 2023:

- Monthly Recurring Revenue: $5k+

- Funding raised: Cumulative $1M or less

- Years of existence: 3 years and below

- Traction: At least 6 months of recurring revenue

- Founding team: At least 2 founding team members

- Registered in Delaware (This is preferred)

- Demonstrated traction in MAC Markets (Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, Senegal)

Don't miss out on this opportunity to showcase your startup and unlock its potential. Apply now https://apo-opa.info/3rL7v4H.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Meltwater Entrepreneurial School of Technology (MEST Africa).

Media Contact:
Ophesmur Naa Adjeley Adjei
Ophesmur@meltwater.org

About MEST Africa:
MEST is an African-wide software and entrepreneurship training program, seed fund, and incubator helping to launch technology startups across the continent. Founded in Ghana in 2008 by serial entrepreneur Jorn Lyseggen, MEST is a 12-month program that provides critical skills training in software development, business, and communications to Africa's burgeoning tech talent. MEST provides seed funding for the best ideas coming out of the program and continues to support the growth and development of its portfolio companies.

To date, MEST has trained over 2000 entrepreneurs from across the continent and funded over 80 startups across industries from Agritech, Fintech, SaaS, eCommerce, Digital Media, and Healthcare amongst others. MEST is fully funded by the Meltwater Foundation, the non-profit arm of the Norwegian company Meltwater; a global leader in social and media intelligence headquartered in San Francisco.

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