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As the dust settles on another fantastic Rugby World Cup season, Homemation gifted the reigning World Champions with the new limited-edition Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2 headphones to help them stay calm in the preparation for their upcoming games. The Px7 S2, a headphone designed exclusively for legends, will undoubtedly help these world champions unleash …
South Africa’s booming tourism industry is poised for long term success South Africa’s tourism industry has emerged strongly from the effects of the pandemic. Within the next 10 years, the sector is expected to contribute 800,000 jobs and R287 billion to the national economy. Furthermore, according to the Department of Tourism, the country hosted more …
Only a third of children in SA are enrolled in ECD programmes
KZN Premier pays tribute to Zoleka Mandela
KwaZulu-Natal Premier, Nomusa Dube-Ncube, has joined South Africans in expressing her deepest condolences to the Mandela family on the passing of Zoleka Mandela.
Mandela, who was the granddaughter of the late first South African democratically elected President Nelson Mandela and Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, passed away on Monday at the age of 43.
She was admitted to hospital on 18 September 2023 for ongoing treatment for metastatic cancer in the hip, liver, lung, pelvis, brain and spinal cord.
In her tribute, Dube-Ncube said Mandela was a brave and outspoken advocate for cancer awareness.
“Her story and her fight against cancer inspired many people to seek help and support those who are affected by cancer, and her legacy will live on in the work that continues to be done to raise awareness on cancer.
“Zoleka Mandela was a fighter: at a young age she fought abuse and later in life she fought cancer, and in her battle with cancer she became an inspiration to many people. Zoleka was a loving mother to her children, and she will be deeply missed by all who knew her,” Dube-Ncube said.
The Premier said Mandela’s legacy will live on in the work that continues to be done to improve the lives of cancer patients in South Africa.
She urged people who are battling cancer to seek help at an early stage so that it is detected and attended to.
“There are many resources available to help people get the support they need, and there is no shame in asking for help. If you are struggling with cancer, please know that you are not alone.
“There are many people who care about you and want to help. Please reach out to a trusted friend or family member, or contact health professionals," Dube-Ncube said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Wed, 09/27/2023 - 12:27
Work continues between government and business to tackle SA’s immediate challenges
President Cyril Ramaphosa has met with members of Cabinet and senior business leaders to receive an update on progress made in the collaboration between government and business.
This collaboration was initiated in June 2023, with the aim of significantly growing South Africa’s economy, and restoring public and investor confidence through critical interventions to address the key challenges of energy, logistics, and crime and corruption.
Highlighting the meaningful progress made since the start of the initiative in a joint statement, President Ramaphosa said they have established an effective working relationship between government and business to tackle the most immediate challenges facing the economy.
“While we have identified key milestones and set out the processes to achieve these, the real test of our success will be in the results felt by ordinary citizens.
“We are confident that by working together and marshalling the significant resources and expertise that exist in our country, we will end load shedding, fix our logistics system, and tackle crime and corruption,” the President said.
Adrian Gore, co-convenor of the business delegation, said while it’s early in the partnership, the collective work rate has been excellent and "there are clear areas of progress", which he believes they can build upon to achieve real change.
“Putting in place a viable, critical path per focal area, with clear short-term deliverables against which we collectively measure our progress, is crucial for building confidence in our ability to deliver,” Gore said.
The joint statement sated that good traction has been achieved within the energy focal area, through the National Energy Crisis Committee (NECOM), which has been established to ensure delivery of the Energy Action Plan (EAP).
Business and government reaffirmed the importance of the EAP as the country’s blueprint for reducing the severity and frequency of load shedding in the short term and ending it altogether in the long term.
“Full implementation of the plan across three core priorities – improving the performance of Eskom’s existing power stations; adding new generation capacity, and reforming the energy sector – will result in over 12GW of generation capacity being recovered or added to the system from Eskom and the private sector by the end of 2024,” the statement read.
As part of this collaboration, CEO of Business Unity South Africa (BUSA), Cas Coovadia, and chair of the Steering Committee of Business for South Africa (B4SA), Martin Kingston noted that business is mobilising additional capacity and skills to support the implementation of the EAP.
This includes nearly 130 volunteers from the private sector who are being coordinated through the Energy Council of South Africa to work in partnership with Eskom and government. The deployment of technical support teams to five power stations – Kendal, Kriel, Majuba, Matla, and Tutuka – is on track, in addition to ongoing support for the return of Kusile Units 1 to 3.
Energy stabilty
The joint statement highlighted that the Electricity Regulation Amendment Bill has been tabled in Parliament, and the public comment period is underway. Government is engaging closely with Parliament to prioritise the passage of this Bill, given its crucial importance for the reform of the energy sector.
Encouraging progress has been made in the establishment of the National Transmission Company of South Africa (NTCSA), with all three licenses approved by the National Energy Regulator of SA (NERSA), and the appointment of an independent board is in process.
The One Stop Shop for energy projects has been established, and a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) has been signed with the Energy Council to support enhancement of its capacity and systems to further streamline regulatory processes and facilitate private investment in energy generation.
In the logistics focal area, the collaboration is centered on ensuring implementation of immediate operational interventions, which have already been defined, alongside the development of the Freight Logistics Roadmap.
Government has committed to finalise the roadmap, which will outline a sequenced set of actions to fundamentally reform the logistics system, by the end of October 2023. Business emphasized the urgency of this roadmap in the context of the ongoing challenges in the logistics system.
“Six of the eight work streams of the National Logistics Crisis Committee (NLCC) are now fully operational, while the remaining two will transition from Operation Vulindlela. Interventions to improve the operational performance of the multimodal bulk freight rail network and port system are well underway through the NLCC”.
Corridor Recovery Teams have been established for five strategic corridors, comprising Transnet managing executives, industry representatives and independent experts, and a delivery plan has been developed with specific actions and timeframes to achieve the targeted increase in freight volumes.
Business and government further emphasized the need to support the Board of Transnet in its turnaround plan in order to drive operational improvement and sustainability.
“A multi-disciplinary team has been formed to address congestion challenges at the Lebombo border crossing, resulting in a reduction in the border processing time, while a dedicated work stream has been established to expedite the restoration of passenger rail services. Law enforcement agencies are working to protect rail infrastructure through a range of interventions, including aerial surveillance on the North and Central Corridors as well as the Majuba rail line,” government and business said.
In the crime and corruption focal area, current engagements centre on building capacity within the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), along with the modernisation of the 10111 emergency response centre and collaboration between industry and the SAPS to address crimes targeting infrastructure.
The NPA Amendment Bill has been tabled to establish the Investigating Directorate as a permanent entity with investigative powers.
This Bill responds to a key recommendation of the State Capture Commission of Inquiry, and will strengthen the capacity and independence of the NPA to tackle corruption-related crimes. A further meeting will be held in six weeks’ time to assess progress on these commitments.
“During this period, the immediate focus will be on ensuring the passage of critical reform legislation such as the ERA Bill and the NPA Amendment Bill; scaling up technical support for power station performance recovery; finalizing and adopting the Freight Logistics Roadmap; and establishing a joint delivery mechanism to coordinate agreed interventions to tackle crime and corruption,” the joint statement said.
Both government and business continue to engage with other social partners in parallel, as part of their respective commitments to advance collaboration on shared national objectives. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Wed, 09/27/2023 - 13:42
In the realm of digital marketing, Search Engine Optimization (SEO) stands as a cornerstone. As businesses strive to enhance their online footprint, understanding the financial commitment involved becomes paramount. A frequently posed question is the nature of SEO pricing, particularly if it’s a recurring monthly expense. So, when considering collaboration with seo services south africa, …
In today’s digital age, where the majority of consumers turn to the internet for answers, businesses are in a perpetual race to stand out and capture attention. Amidst a plethora of online marketing strategies, paid SEO emerges as a potent tool. But with the myriad of options available, is investing in a seo agency south …
Presidency notes DA court challenge over the Lady R investigative panel
Presidential spokesperson,Vincent Magwenya says President Cyril Ramaphosa acted within the law in appointing Judge Phineas Mojapelo as the head of the investigative panel to enquire into the circumstances of the docking of the Lady R Cargo vessel in Simon's Town in December 2022.
Addressing media on Wednesday, Magwenya said the Presidency has noted the intention expressed by the official opposition party, the Democratic Alliance, to challenge the appointment of Judge Phineas Mojapelo as the head of the investigative panel.
Magwenya said the President decided to appoint the independent panel after having “carefully considered the delicate balance that is needed between the public’s right to information and the State’s need to secure information, the disclosure of which may jeopardise our national security and/or international relations”.
He said: “Hence, the President decided to appoint an independent panel rather than a commission of inquiry, as provided for in terms of section 84(2)(f) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa,1996.”
Magwenya emphasised that the President carefully considered his decision to appoint a judge to head the panel.
“President Ramaphosa acted within the law in doing so and we are confident that this appointment will withstand scrutiny.
“In its politically motivated court action, the DA wants to undermine the country’s national interests, failing to appreciate the importance of resolving this matter in a manner that is credible and expeditious.
“The DA is failing to appreciate the damage this issue has caused to our economy and potentially, to very important diplomatic relations, which are now repaired as a result of the level of credibility attached to the panel and its work, the outcome of the investigation and the intensive amount of diplomatic work that has been conducted to date and is still being managed,” Magwenya said. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Wed, 09/27/2023 - 15:03
The Select Committee on Appropriations has received a briefing from the Office of the Auditor General of South Africa (AGSA) and the National Department of Health on medical-legal claims and their impact on provincial Health care budgets.
AGSA said medico-legal claims are costing the health sector an accumulative R77 billion and the amount has, over the years risen significantly rather than the planned reduction. AGSA further said by 31 March 2022, 15 148 medico-legal claims were lodged against the Department of Health valued at R125 billion. The committee heard that provincial health facilities lacked reliable and accurate record-keeping and, in most cases, this was caused by a shortage of administrative staff.
The committee recommended that the focus shifts towards improving patient services at healthcare facilities rather than funding for possible litigation. The committee also called for significant improvements in archiving and record keeping and called for the establishment of an electronic card management system.
The committee further welcomed reports from various provincial health MECs who shared their province's plans to mitigate rising medico-legal claims and their support for strengthening record-keeping management. The committee noted that the National Archives and Records Service of South Africa Act (NARRSA) calls for the designation of senior staff to ensure the implementation of sound records management. The Chairperson of the committee, Ms Dikeledi Mahlangu emphasised that issues of health are societal issues and need everybody to be on board.
The committee welcomed the news that the AGSA is conducting a forensic investigation into law firms involved in litigation against provinces on medico-legal claim matters.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.
Stats SA blames Covid for long delay in completing fourth national enumeration since democracy
Gauteng school finalists in National EduPlant School Garden Competition 2023 September 2023. Five schools based in Gauteng have been selected as finalists in the annual national EduPlant School Gardening Competition 2023. Boitumelong Secondary School, Gahlanso Primary School, and Peter Zongwane Primary School in Tembisa; Masizani Primary School in Atteridgeville, Tshwane; and MC Weiler School in …
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in collaboration with the African Embassies in Bangkok, namely, Egypt, Kenya, Morocco, Nigeria and South Africa, as well as Khon Kaen Province, Khon Kaen Chamber of Commerce, Khon Kaen University and Young Ambassador of Virtue Foundation organised the Colours of Africa 2023 events during 13 - 14 September on 21 September 2023. The events sought to promote public awareness, including the private sector and the academia, on the African continent, as well as the potential of trade, investment and tourism opportunities in Africa.
The activities included:
1. The Seminar on Trade and Investment Opportunities in Africa on 13 September 2023 at Avani Hotel Khon Kaen, with speakers including African ambassadors to Thailand and successful Thai entrepreneurs. The session observed the exchange of knowledge on trade and investment opportunities in Africa, as well as first-hand experience on conducting business in the region to the audience comprising of entrepreneurs from Khon Kaen and nearby provinces.
2. Academic Lecture on Africa on 14 September 2023 at Khon Kaen University, under the topic “The African Union Agenda 2063” and “Nelson Mandela: The Epitome of Ethical Leadership in Africa and the World: Learning from his Legacy for a better Africa and a Humane World Order,” was given by the African Ambassadors to Thailand, with more than 300 students and lecturers from Khon Kaen University participated. On this occasion, the African Ambassadors also visited the university's Faculty of Agriculture, which already had academic cooperation with various universities in Africa.
3. The Student Quiz Competition, Games and Exhibitions to enhance knowledge on Africa on 21 September 2023 at Vithes Samosorn, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with more than 200 participants, including students and teachers from 23 Thai schools around Thailand affiliated with the Young Ambassador of Virtue Foundation. During the quiz's final round, Ms. Busadee Santipitaks, Acting Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Director-General of the Department of South Asian, Middle East and African Affairs, and African Ambassadors to Thailand were invited to ask questions and present scholarships to the winning teams, as well as tokens of appreciation and certificates to all participating students.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand.
Basic Education Committee adopts Basic Education Laws Amendment Bill
The Portfolio Committee on Basic Education has adopted the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Bill.
In a statement on Tuesday, committee chairperson, Bongiwe Mbinqo-Gigaba, said this brings the bill, which has been more than 20 years in the making, in line with continuing the transformation agenda of the basic education sector.
Some of the proposals that were adopted in the bill include making Grade R the new compulsory school-starting age; penalties for parents who do not ensure that their children are in school and confirmation that corporal punishment is no longer allowed at schools, with penalties for those found guilty of such offences.
Mbinqo-Gigaba said during voting on the bill, the majority of members of the committee voted in support of the bill, while three members voted against the adoption of the bill.
Mbinqo-Gigaba said the proposed amendments are to align the bill with developments in the education landscape and to ensure that systems of learning are put in place in a manner that gives effect to the right to basic education, as enshrined in section 29(1) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996.
She emphasised that the committee extensively deliberated on all clauses of the bill.
“In some instances, all members of the committee agreed that certain proposed amendments did not belong in the bill and ensured that they were removed, whereas in other instances, the committee vigorously debated clauses which saw the majority of members of the committee agreeing to retention of such clauses. This is all to ensure that we better the education landscape of the next generation.
“The committee held extensive public hearings across the country. We heard oral submissions in Parliament from stakeholders and thousands of written submissions were considered when debating and drafting this legislation,” Mbinqo-Gigaba said.
In terms of language policy, the amendment states that the governing body must submit the language policy of a public school and any amendment thereof to the Head of Department (HOD) for approval.
The language policy must also take into consideration the language needs of the broader community. The committee further adopted the proposed amendment that the Head of Department, after consultation with the governing body of the school, has the final authority to admit a learner to a public school.
“The contentious proposed amendment, regarding home education, was partially agreed to. This amendment provided for the HOD to, when considering an application, require a delegated official to conduct a pre-registration site visit.
“It was agreed that the said site visits can happen at any place of choice, should parents not agree to such visits at their homes. Furthermore, a report at the end of each phase will now be required by a qualified educator or assessor to prove the competency of the learner in that phase,” the committee said.
Some proposed amendments were scraped in totality. The proposed amendment regarding the sale of alcohol on school premises after hours during functions did not get support from the committee.
The proposed amendment dealing with members of a governing body, who must disclose on an annual basis all their financial interests and the financial interests of their spouse, partner and immediate family members also did not garner support and was deemed too onerous an administrative task.
The bill and the report of the committee will now be referred to the National Assembly for debate and consideration. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Wed, 09/27/2023 - 15:32
The Totalsports Women’s Race organizers are thrilled to collaborate with the Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport, in conjunction with Western Province Athletics, to jointly host the Cape Town edition of the Totalsports Women’s Race, which will also include the renowned Big Walk, on Sunday, 01 October 2023. “We’re delighted to collaborate with an event …
President to host the Special Olympics Team at the Union Buildings
President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to host the Special Olympics Team at the Union Buildings following the team’s success at the Special Olympics World Games that were held in Germany in June 2023.
Presidential Spokesperson Vincent Magwenya announced this during a media briefing to update the public on the President’s public programme.
The Special Olympics Team brought home a total of 49 medals - 22 gold, 20 silver and 7 bronze.
“The interaction with the Special Olympics Team is part of President Ramaphosa’s ongoing commitment to encourage and celebrate excellence amongst South Africa’s sports women and men and the President’s recognition of the role of sports to unite our nation and forge social cohesion,” Magwenya said.
The President will host the team on the morning of 3 October 2023.
Later in the afternoon on the same day, President Ramaphosa will receive Letters of Credence from Heads of Mission-Designate at a credentials ceremony at the Sefako Makgatho Presidential Guest House.
Letters of Credence are official diplomatic documents presented to the President by Heads of Mission-designate to mark the beginning of their ambassadorship.
This ceremony is a platform where newly nominated diplomats from the continent and other parts of the globe outline relations between the two countries and their objectives for strengthening partnership.
Border Management Authority
On 5 October 2023, the President will preside over the launch of the Boarder Management Authority (BMA) in Musina, Limpopo.
The launch of the BMA follows its formal establishment and assumption of its status as a schedule 3 (A) public entity on 1 April 2023.
The establishment of the BMA means that South Africa now has an integrated border management platform, with a single command and control with which to support the attainment of secure borders, safe travel and trade.
“The President will be joined by members of the Inter-Ministerial Coordinating Committee (IMCC) on the BMA and the Border Technical Committee. The President will also tour the Beit Bridge Border Port of Entry and later address guests during a ceremonial parade at the Musina Show grounds,” Magwenya said. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Wed, 09/27/2023 - 14:22
With the aim of advancing dialogue around Africa's critical mineral opportunities and fostering new deals, the upcoming Critical Minerals Africa (CMA) summit (www.CriticalMineralsAfrica.com) will feature a strong slate of technical presentations delivered by thought-leaders and industry experts.
The technical presentations will address the most prominent challenges impacting industry growth, with speakers providing insight into sustainable solutions, capital and technology prospects and how the continent can create the mineral value chains of the future. The event takes place from 17 to 19 October 2023 at the Cape Town International Convention Center and runs concurrently with Africa's largest energy event, African Energy Week (AEW).
During the conference, presentations will be delivered under the theme Promoting Sustainable Partnerships, Policies and Projects in Raw Materials and Strengthening Global Critical Mineral Supply Chains.
Presentations include:
As global interest in Africa's critical minerals grows, the CMA 2023 technical presentations will support decision-making by providing stakeholders with the insight they need to make informed investments. Under the broader event theme of Establishing the Critical Mineral Value Chains of the Future, the presentations delve into the complexities of the industry and the strategic role Africa plays in supplying the global market.
CMA and AEW (October 16-20) are poised to host over 5,000 combined delegates, who will have the opportunity to participate in country spotlights, investor roundtables and in-focus sessions on the energy transition, energy security, resource supply chains and new technologies.
Organized by Energy Capital & Power, Africa's premier investment platform for the energy sector, the much-anticipated global summit for African critical minerals will bring together a diverse group of global investors, energy and mining professionals, project operators and government leaders during a pivotal moment for the continent's energy and mining industries.
CMA 2023 represents the official dealmaking space for the industry and stands at the intersection of the energy and mining sectors in Africa. Since the launch, CMA has seen significant interest by global investors and buyers, all of which are looking at signing deals in Africa's mineral space. The program is filling up fast, and mineral, energy, technology and finance leaders are encouraged to secure their pass before the summit fills up.
Get involved at the CMA 2023 summit as a speaker, panelist, presenter, sponsor or exhibitor. For more information, visit www.CriticalMineralsAfrica.com or contact james@energycapitalpower.com
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.
Excitement is building in the Boxer Super Run Elite Men’s Race with a strong contingent of Boxer Athletics Club elite runners, including the likes of Elroy Gelant, Precious Mashele, Kabelo Mulaudzi and Nicholas Seoposengwe, eagerly confirming their participation on Sunday 15 October 2023. With an impressive overall prize purse of R147 200.00 in the Elite …
Superdry South Africa unveils its latest campaign featuring local brand ambassador, rugby sensation and South African World Cup Winner, Cheslin Kolbe. The launch of this initiative aligns perfectly with the Rugby World Cup, which commenced on September 8th, 2023. Superdry’s latest campaign seeks to ignite inspiration across Mzansi and encourages us to embrace better choices …
SA should accelerate mass youth employment, entrepreneurship - Mashatile
South Africa should prioritise the creation of mass youth employment and business opportunities, said Deputy President Paul Mashatile.
The Deputy President believes that this should be done by implementing policies that foster entrepreneurship, enhance vocational training, improve access to finance, and encourage private-sector investment.
“We can empower our youth and pave the way for a prosperous future,” he stressed.
The country’s second-in-command was delivering the keynote address at the South African Youth Economic Council (SAYEC) Gala Dinner at the Marriot Hotel in Johannesburg, on Tuesday.
The platform focused on “assessing government and private sector policies necessary for mass youth employment and business opportunities in South Africa”.
“This theme serves as a compelling call for both the government and private sector to collaborate to evaluate and deliberate on strategies that can expedite the involvement of young individuals in the critical sectors of the economy.”
As government, he told the delegates that the government values the role that youth and youth bodies, including SAYEC, play in moulding the nation's future and propelling its development.
“Your energy, creativity, and determination possess the potential to unlock untapped opportunities within our economy.”
He acknowledged that like other countries globally, South Africa is grabbling with challenges of unemployment.
“Furthermore, some challenges are associated with effectively integrating young people into the economy.”
He also stressed a need for further development of the skills necessary to secure formal employment or establish successful business opportunities specifically tailored for youth.
Deputy President Mashatile encouraged youngsters with an aptitude for business to grab entrepreneurial opportunities and start enterprises relevant to their skills.
“South Africa has a diverse economy with several promising sectors that entrepreneurs can take advantage of.”
He said sectors currently driving the economy include manufacturing, retail, financial services, mining, agriculture, tourism, and the green industry.
“The green sector offers a range of possibilities for entrepreneurs interested in sustainable and environmentally friendly technologies and practices.”
Renewable energy, he said, particularly solar, waste management, including recycling, and sustainable packaging is currently crucial.
“There are also opportunities to meet the growing demand for sustainable and energy-efficient building practices in South Africa.”
He went on to touch on investing in the mining sector.
“We agree with you that this is an important sector that we must teach our young people how to run and manage these industries, as they are the future and next generation of industry leaders.
“The current state of the mining industry is not very impressive. We presently export raw materials, and we must create opportunities for youth-led manufacturing and industrial endeavours,” he admitted.
He said mining is a costly endeavour, requiring the creation of more funding opportunities for youth.
“I urged the youth to interact with a variety of investors to provide more capital so that the youth can transform their ideas into reality and become producers and not just consumers.”
“We must create an enabling policy framework encouraging private sector investment in youth-focused industries,” he added. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Wed, 09/27/2023 - 11:49
Hi-Tec launches their brand-new store in Tyger Valley Shopping Centre Hi-Tec will proudly unveil its new and immersive store at Tyger Valley Shopping Centre, which is one of Cape Town’s largest shopping malls. This brand-new store aims to create an innovative and exciting shopping experience through thoughtful design and engaging features that will educate shoppers …
Africa must collaborate on green energy agenda
Minister in the Presidency for Electricity, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, says intra-Africa collaboration will be important in the drive towards decarbonisation and strengthening energy security on the continent.
The Minister was addressing the UNESCO 9th Africa Engineering Week held in Gauteng on Tuesday.
“The power pool on the SADC [Southern African Development Community] side is essentially matured (sic). I’m told that there is a similar power pool that is taking shape on the eastern side and the western part of the continent. I think that once we pool all of that together, we are going to get to a situation where we are going to exploit the opportunities that are presented.
“The major discoveries of gas on the west coast of the continent… Namibia is far advanced in that. There’s a significant amount of deposits on the east side… Mozambique has been doing that for some time. Central Africa… the degree to which we are able to use hydro.
“If you pool all of these things together you can see that the possibilities of us greening becomes real and I think we are going to benefit from these opportunities and resources if we are able to…collaborate better. That level of cooperation will be necessary going into the future and then we become energy secure,” he said.
The minister further emphasised that because of its rich endowment in resources that are essential to the green economy, Africa must set its own standards.
“What drives us is the quest to ensure that we industrialise on the back of these renewable resources [and] on the back of the demand that is coming from the major western countries.
“We will define what those standards are as Africans; we don’t need to be lectured by someone from outside. We know what is in our collective interest and for as long as we are disjointed we are going to be super exploited. We must determine the standards and no-one should be doing that on our behalf,” Ramokgopa said.
The minister added that although renewable energy sources remain important, South Africa will pursue an energy mix that fits the country’s needs.
“Renewable energy is important. We are committed to decarbonisation and we are endowed. But remember that renewable energy survives of the redundancy of baseload - so coal, gas, nuclear [and] hydro are going to be part of the energy mix going into the future.
“The success of renewable energy is undergirded by the presence of baseloads so we are not about to abandon or relinquish that resource. It’s about making sure that there’s an optimal mix. It’s not a binary conversation, it’s not the one against the other but it’s doing both in a balanced way,” he said.
Turning to the South African context, Ramokgopa said the country – with its deep resources of minerals used in green hydrogen production – can take advantage of the world’s thirst for clean energy sources.
“It’s important that we are able to exploit these resources… the best radiation, the best wind speeds are found here on the continent and in this country. So it’s important that we are able to domesticate value addition. We know that…there are about 60 countries globally that have committed to a net zero path.
“Some of the most industrialised countries account for over 70% of the emissions and therefore they are prepared to pay a premium for them to access this green hydrogen. In some instances your market will be driven by the international market. For us as a country, because of the large scale amount of… industrial uses in the heavy industry, you can still deploy green hydrogen.
“And also the potential of the introduction of carbon borders is likely going to ensure that there’s an early uptake of this green hydrogen even given the cost premium so that these industries are able to continue to access those lucrative markets,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
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NeoB
Wed, 09/27/2023 - 10:19
There is a perception that property is a good investment delivering healthy returns over time. A bonded property requires that the property owner practices financial discipline and makes regular monthly repayments with the end result being a fully paid off asset. Depending on the property cycle when the property was acquired, that perception has held …
On Tuesday, 26 September 2023, the Artscape theatre was packed to the brim with excited guests who attended the Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport's (DCAS) 21st Cultural Affairs Awards.
The awards honour individuals and organisations who have made exceptional contributions in the areas of arts, culture, heritage, language, libraries, archives, museum, heritage and geographical names. Minister Anroux Marais also bestowed Ministerial awards on individuals who have left a legacy in this environment.
The evening was hosted by two Masters of Ceremonies, Ayanda Dlamini and Jabaar Mohamed. The guests were entertained throughout the evening with performances by the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra, Nobulumko Mngxekeza, Chene Hugo, Zinzi Nogavu, Dance for all, Zip Zap Circus, Koleka Phutuma and Rieldancers.
Minister Marais welcomed everyone to the occasion and emphasized the importance of all the areas in which winners would be announced. “The awards showcase the wide range of cultural activities which the Western Cape is involved with, and which we support very passionately. Tonight we honour those who have left a lasting legacy and have helped us grow all these important arts and culture activities in our province,” she said.
Chief Director for Cultural Affairs, Carol van Wyk, ended the evening by thanking everyone who supported the event. “What you have seen here tonight is a beacon of hope for communities across our province. Please continue to help us shine this light.” she said.
The full list of the evening's winners can be found here.
More information on all the nominees can be found here.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic Of South Africa: Western Cape Provincial Government.
AUTO24.africa redefining automotive retail across the continent offering unparalleled and exclusive services; AUTO24 is a subsidiary of Africar Group in which Stellantis (www.Stellantis.com/en) has a controlling stake; This expansion positions the platform to become the continent's number one multi-brand retailer for used cars; Stellantis, continues to back the platform on its ambitious journey.
AUTO24.africa, an innovative pre-owned car marketplace, announced its expansion into four new African markets: Morocco, Rwanda, Senegal and South Africa. This move comes after a remarkably successful first year in Ivory Coast and positions the platform to become the continent's number one multi-brand retailer for used cars. Following last year's investment from Stellantis, AUTO24.africa is revolutionizing the African automotive sector with first-of-its-kind customer offerings.
AUTO24.africa offers unparalleled and exclusive services, including a five-day refund policy, a six-month warranty, one-year maintenance, and one-year insurance plans for all vehicles. The platform also provides convenient financing options in association with several partners. These benefits are a first in many African countries and redefine the standard for car ownership across the continent.
Stellantis, as main investor, continues to back AUTO24.africa in its ambitious journey which is perfectly aligns with Stellantis' strategic plan DARE FORWARD 2030 by participating to expanded of our offer of mobility solutions to widely meet the customer needs in Africa.
Africar Group, the parent company of AUTO24.africa, has been a pioneer in online automotive classifieds in Sub-Saharan Africa since its founding in Australia in 2016. The company leverages cutting-edge technology to offer seamless digital experiences that meet the unique needs of the African market.
This year's expansion is a part of AUTO24.africa's long-term vision to become the leading multi-brand certified pre-owned car retailer in Africa. The platform aims to introduce even more features and capabilities that will further elevate the automotive buying and selling experience, all with trust and transparency.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Stellantis.
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About Stellantis:
Stellantis N.V. (NYSE: STLA / Euronext Milan: STLAM / Euronext Paris: STLAP) is one of the world's leading automakers and a mobility provider. Its storied and iconic brands embody the passion of their visionary founders and today's customers in their innovative products and services, including Abarth, Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Citroën, Dodge, DS Automobiles, Fiat, Jeep®, Lancia, Maserati, Opel, Peugeot, Ram, Vauxhall, Free2move and Leasys. Powered by our diversity, we lead the way the world moves – aspiring to become the greatest sustainable mobility tech company, not the biggest, while creating added value for all stakeholders as well as the communities in which it operates. For more information, visit www.Stellantis.com.
About Africar Group:
Africar Group Pty Ltd is an Australian entity, owning, operating and growing the largest network of automotive marketplaces in Africa. Available in more than 45 countries, and covering markets totalling more than 1 billion people, it has been helping millions of buyers and sellers of pre-owned vehicles to transact safer and easier over the last 5 years. Africar Group is a venture initiated by Emerging Classifieds Ventures (www.ECV.Ventures), specialising in building and operating marketplaces in emerging markets. For more information, visit www.AfricarGroup.com