South Africa

The African Energy Chamber (AEC) (http://www.EnergyChamber.org), voice of the African energy sector, is proud to announce that Stefano Marani, CEO of integrated renewable energy producer and helium and natural gas company, Renergen, will participate as a speaker at the African Energy Week (AEW) 2023 interactive conference and exhibition, taking place from 16-20 October in Cape Town, South Africa.

Having pioneered the use of natural gas in heavy-duty vehicles – thus leading efforts towards the decarbonization of South Africa's transport sector – and with substantial gas reserves in the country's Free State Province, Renergen's efforts in showcasing how natural gas production can drive economic growth have demonstrated that there is ample room for natural gas production in the southern African country.

Marani has been instrumental in taking the dual-listed company's acquired gas fields from a stranded asset into production. What's more, Marani has highlighted the need for South Africa to leverage its natural gas resources to promote a less carbon-intensive substitute for the country's existing transport, thermal and power generation fuels.

With a significant energy deficit in South Africa, new sources of fuel for thermal power plants offer a glimmer of hope for a nation reeling from unprecedented power shortages and blackouts. Renergen's three conventional gas fields in the Free State – Theunissen, Virginia and Welkom – are collectively estimated to contain up to 407 billion cubic feet of conventional natural gas. As such, the company has sought to transform its reserves into a larger scale liquefied natural gas (LNG) project.

In September 2022, Renergen became South Africa's first and sole producer of LNG following the start-up of its onshore gas liquefaction plant. Output from the plant is poised to reduce the country's carbon footprint while promoting the Free State Province as a hub for the manufacturing of clean, sustainable energy.

“Renergen's considerable efforts towards driving and monetizing natural gas resources should serve as a clear message to investors that the upstream oil and gas industry is open for business in South Africa. Gas will help South Africa find ways to produce the additional electricity it needs to provide all of its citizens with reliable and secure power,” states NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the AEC.

As a result of its achievements in South Africa, Renergen has received expressions of interest from a multitude of large-scale industrial manufacturers, heavy logistics operators, and independent power producers. Additionally, the company's operations are poised for expansion in the coming years through the development and construction of the second Phase of the Virginia gas project, which is expected to provide an estimated 680 tons per day of LNG and up to one million standard cubic feet per day of liquid helium.

Organized by the AEC, AEW 2023 will unite energy stakeholders, global investors, and executives from across the public and private sector for a week of interactive conferences, exhibitions, panel discussions, investor forums, industry summits, and one-on-one meeting opportunities to drive African industry growth and development. As such, with his significant experience in the areas of structure finance and advisory solutions, Marani's participation at AEW 2023 is poised to showcase the lucrative and diverse opportunities for investment into natural gas development in South Africa.

African Energy Week (AEW) is the African Energy Chamber's (AEC) interactive exhibition and networking event, established in 2021, that seeks to unite African energy stakeholders, drive industry growth and development, and promote Africa as the destination for African-focused events.

To register and find out more information about African Energy Week 2023, click https://www.AECWeek.com/AEW-23/.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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The African Union and a unit of Temasek Holdings Pte (SMEC) are considering backing a plan to develop as many as 123 new cities across Africa, as reported (https://apo-opa.info/3Nq2831) by Bloomberg. The plan has been developed by Africa123 (https://apo-opa.info/3NbnXlM).

''The Africa Foresight Fund is proud to be participating in a very exciting multigenerational Pan-African development vision. The company is pleased to have been able to assist in bringing together industry players - Africa123 and SMEC - for this exciting opportunity, with the ultimate goal of leading in green urbanism for African generations to come,'' says Jacques NdoutouMvé, co-founder and director of the Africa Foresight Fund (AFF). ''For investors, from institutional funds to family offices, the African continent is globally significant and will be a centre of gravity in the very near future''.

SMEC is a global infrastructure advisory firm that's owned by a unit of Singapore's Temasek, which holds a portfolio of roughly $300 billion.

The Africa Foresight Fund (AFF) is currently presenting investors with Milkwood City (https://apo-opa.info/3N57OOx), just north of Cape Town, a major project in the Africa123 portfolio: ''A green city of the future in beautiful South Africa,'' says NdoutouMvé. ‘'The land opportunity underpins an incredible new urban centre.''

AFF is a South African-based private equity fund company with a representative office in Toronto, Canada. Email jacquesn@africaforesight.fund 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Foresight Fund.

For more information contact:
info@africaforesight.fund
+1 416-616-0062
https://apo-opa.info/3N1buRr

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Investing in African Mining Indaba (Mining Indaba) (https://www.MiningIndaba.com) is honoured to announce that the President of the Republic of Angola, H.E. João Lourenço, will attend Mining Indaba 2024 where he will deliver a keynote address to delegates. His presence marks a significant step of progress for Angola and its mining industry as it seeks to increase investment and attract more companies to explore the country's potentially rich mineral resources.

Angola is the fourth largest diamond producer in the world, though much of its hinterland remains unexplored. The Angolan government has in recent years implemented regulatory reforms which have made it an attractive and best-destination country for foreign investors. The result has seen diamond major De Beers sign two mineral investment contracts in 2022 for diamond exploration and mining in Angola. Other major players such as Anglo American, Rio Tinto and Ivanhoe Mines have also more recently invested in the Angolan minerals and mining industry.

Importantly, Angola is looking to diversify and expand its commercial mining potential beyond diamonds to include critical minerals and gold in particular, which will bring a significant change in context to its mining sector. ASX-listed junior Tyranna Resources is working to help Angola realise this vision as it looks to develop and start mining the country's first lithium project by 2025.  In addition, LSE-listed junior Pensana is working to develop the country's first rare earths mine by 2025. At this stage the mine will become Africa's first large-scale neodymium and praseodymium (NdPr) rare earth mine with an expected target production of 46,000 tonnes per year.

The Angolan government is committed to provide an investor-friendly environment for those interested in exploring the potential of its minerals sector while also creating sustainable economic growth for all its citizens. The presence of President Lourenço at Mining Indaba 2024 demonstrates this commitment, as well as his eagerness to promote international collaboration between business leaders keen on investing in Angola's minerals industry.

The theme for Mining Indaba 2024 is ‘Embracing the power of positive disruption: A bold new future for African Mining'. The steps taken by Angola to encourage mining investment supports the theme of disruption nature and shines a light on the positive steps this African country is taking to bring greater mineral wealth to the country.

Mining Indaba provides a platform for delegates to meet from around the world with interests spanning across finance, technology, sustainability and energy - all essential components of the modernising mining industry. President Lourenço's presence at the event will offer invaluable insights into how the industry can work together towards achieving collective goals and sustainable growth across the African continent.

For more information or to register your interest, please visit MiningIndaba.com.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Investing in African Mining Indaba.

For Media Enquiries:
Hyve Group
Amy Neville
Amy.neville@hyve.group

About Investing in African Mining Indaba:
Investing in African Mining Indaba is the largest mining investment event in Africa. With a proven track record of bringing together ministers, senior government representatives, mining companies, mid and junior miners, investors, professional services as well as mining equipment and service providers, Mining Indaba is the place to meet everybody who's anybody in the African and global mining industry.

It is the must-attend event that drives the mining industry forward and provides attendees with unmatched access to the entire value chain and the most influential players in African mining for four days of high-quality content, deal-making and networking opportunities.

We are looking forward to welcoming you to Cape Town for our upcoming Mining Indaba Conference. Investing in African Mining Indaba 2024 takes place in Cape Town, South Africa, from 5-8 February 2024. https://MiningIndaba.com/Home

United Cities and Local Governments of Africa (UCLG Africa) (http://www.UCLGA.org) and the African Development Bank (AfDB), with the support of the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA), the C40 Cities,  the National Treasury of South-Africa, and the European Investment Bank (EIB), concluded their second phase of the capacity-building program for Chief Financial Officers (CFOs) of African cities and subnational governments in Johannesburg from May 29th to June 2nd, 2023. This collaborative effort marked a significant milestone in fostering economic and financial development in African cities.

The opening ceremony brought together key stakeholders who shared their insights on the importance of accessing capital markets and the transformative power of financial initiatives. Distinguished speakers included Honorable Peter Anyang Nyong'o, Governor of Kisumu County, Kenya; Mrs. Alice Nabalamba, Urban Division, Africa Development Bank; Mrs. Mojabeng Manthata, Development Bank of Southern Africa; Mr. Hastings Chikkoko, Regional Director for Africa, 40 Cities; and Mr. Jean Pierre Elong Mbassi, Secretary General of UCLG Africa.

During the first day, a round table and several sessions addressed crucial topics related to municipal finance and bond issuance.

The round Table focused on the Africa Territorial Trade and Investment Agency (ATIA) and its role in creating a conducive government policy and regulatory environment for bond issuance. Participants emphasized the need for transparent and sound regulatory frameworks to enhance investor confidence. Governor Anyang Nyong'o highlighted the challenges of raising resources for county investments in Kenya and expressed interest in utilizing ATIA as an intermediary. Mr. Eduardo Nguenha, Deputy Mayor and Councillor in Charge of Finance in Maputo, Mozambique, discussed the connection between capital market access and decentralization in Mozambique, while Mr. Kolisan Molukoalne highlighted the importance of creditworthiness and risk assessment in South Africa's borrowing framework. Mrs. Valérie White, Former Managing Director at Standard & Poor's Global Ratings (S&P) in New York, shared insights into the municipal bond market in the United States, emphasizing the role of rating agencies and the potential applicability of tax incentives in Africa.

The first session featured experts from the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the African Centre for Cities (ACC) who shared valuable insights on municipal creditworthiness, financing strategy, institutional strengthening, and the Africa Sustainable City Initiative. Mr. André Kruger and Mr. Ioannis Filopoulos from the EIB emphasized the importance of credit ratings and records of accomplishment to attract investors, while Mrs. Liza Cirolia from the ACC highlighted the need for sensible regulations and capacity assessment of subnational governments before accessing the capital market. The discussion also underscored the differentiation between social and income generation borrowing and emphasized the significance of fiscal rules, budgeting, revenue management, and expenditure management for African cities and subnational governments.

The second session focused on the legislative and regulatory framework for South African municipalities' access to capital markets. Mrs. Sandra Sekgetle from the National Treasury provided expertise on the policies, acts, and regulations governing borrowing and investment in the country at the municipal level. Representatives from the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA), Mrs. Mojabeng Manthata, discussed municipal financing opportunities and the DBSA's role in infrastructure development. The discussion also touched on other funding sources and the potential for consultancy services.

Participants raised important questions and comments concerning the judiciary's role, the influence of Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) on national governments, the significance of credit rating agencies, and the necessity for contextualized ratings in Africa. The South African legislative and regulatory framework governing capital market access, including borrowing and investment, was highlighted and discussed. The first day's discussions also emphasized the importance of UCLG Africa facilitating dialogue and knowledge-sharing on financing local governments, as well as the potential value of CEE Rating in providing insights.

During the second and third day, participants learned from practical case studies conducted in South African cities such as Johannesburg, eThekwini, and Tshwane. These case studies showcased the successful implementation of municipal bond issuance as a means for municipalities to finance infrastructure projects and other development initiatives. Participants explored topics such as rating and listing municipal bonds, as well as the crucial role played by Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) in supporting municipal finance. The program provided valuable insights into the practical aspects and challenges involved in accessing capital markets for municipal financing.

The second and third day of the program proved highly informative and beneficial for participants, as they gained practical knowledge and insights into municipal financing strategies. The case studies, discussions on municipal bonds, and the role of DFIs provided participants with a solid foundation for exploring and implementing effective financial mechanisms to support infrastructure development and drive sustainable growth in their respective cities and regions.

The program for day 4 included a session and a roundtable addressing key topics related to municipal finance and bond issuance. The first session focus on the rating and listing of municipal bonds in the US, featuring Mrs. Valérie White, the former Managing Director at Standard & Poor's Global Ratings (S&P) in New York.

The roundtable centered on the role of Development Finance Institutions (DFIs). It included esteemed panelists such as Mrs. Harriet Kiwanuka, Senior Investment Officer at the Department of Financial Development, African Development Bank; Mr. Mohan Vivekanandan from the Development Bank of Southern Africa; and Mr. André Kruger from the European Investment Bank.

On the last day of the program, there were one session and one roundtable. The first one focused on the importance of new green and climate funding opportunities. Mr. Anton Cartwright from the African Center of Cities (ACC) led the discussion, providing valuable insights into the potential of such funding opportunities to support sustainable and climate-resilient projects.

The roundtable centered around establishing the Africa Municipal Bond (AMB) Market Community and the Centre of AMB Market Practice. Dr. Zienzi Dillion, Former Head: Public Sector: Corporate and Investment Bank: Barclays Africa ex SA and CEO of Carmel Global Market, played a crucial role in facilitating this discussion, which aimed to create a platform for collaboration and knowledge-sharing among stakeholders interested in municipal bond markets in Africa.

In addition, the FiNet Network meeting provided an opportunity to discuss activities and publications related to municipal finance. The participants engaged in networking activities, fostering connections and collaborations that would further advance economic and financial development in African cities.

The closing ceremony of the capacity-building program for CFOs of African cities and subnational governments marked a significant milestone in empowering African cities to access capital markets and drive economic development. Representatives from key organizations reiterated their commitment to supporting African cities and subnational governments in their financial endeavors. The ceremony provided an opportunity to reflect on program achievements, outline future steps, and foster networking and collaboration among participants, further advancing economic and financial development in African cities.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Cities and Local Governments of Africa (UCLG Africa).

For media inquiries:
Wafae Boumaaz
wboumaaz@uclga.org
+212660128943

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President Cyril Ramaphosa has briefed Chinese President Xi Jin Ping on the African Leaders Peace Mission to Ukraine and Russia. 

President Ramaphosa noted the peace plan that has been proposed by China and affirmed South Africa's and the African leaders support of initiatives that are aimed at a peaceful resolution of the conflict. President Xi Jin Ping commended the initiative by the African continent and acknowledged the impact the conflict has had on human lives and on food security in Africa.

The leaders also discussed their cooperation at BRICS and preparations for the upcoming BRICS summit. They both committed to work towards a successful summit. 

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

The Mobile Film Festival Africa unveiled the winners of its 2023 edition at a prize ceremony held on Thursday June 8 at the Renaissance cinema in Rabat, an event part of the "Rabat, African Capital of Culture" program celebrations.

Guests were able to discover all the films in this year's official selection (54 films from 21 African countries), as well as the prizes awarded by a jury chaired by Gad Elmaleh and including Samia Akarriou, Sofia Alaoui, Françoise Ellong, Rafiki Fariala and Fibby Kioria.

For its second pan-African edition, organized in partnership with United Cities and Local Governments of Africa (UCLG Africa) and the Kingdom of Morocco's Ministry of Youth, Culture  and Communication, the Mobile Film Festival has set up production grants worth a total of $51,000. These grants will enable the winners to make a film with professional resources and support from the Mobile Film Festival. Here are the winners:

Grand Prize Africa ($ 10,000)- I Have a Dream Too by Sunday Mapya - Tanzania

Grand Prize Morocco ($ 10,000)- The Guardian of the Walls by Kamal Lougleb - Morocco

This prize is accompanied by a 10-day screenwriting training residency at ENS Louis-Lumière in Paris, offered by the Institut Français du Maroc.

French Speaking Film Award ($ 5,000)- The Peninsula Dream by Nelly Brun Elvire Behanzin - Benin

This prize, supported by TV5 Monde, is awarded to a film from a country member of the International Organization of Francophonie.

ACP - EU Culture Award (5 000 $)- PAASWAAAD (Password) by Shandra Daisy Apondi - Kenya

This prize is supported by the ACP-EU Culture program.

Best Script Award ($ 5,000)- uççş²Iا دq⁄ زي (Like a Matchstick) by Sami Iskander - Egypt

This prize is supported by Canal +.

African Female Director Award ($ 5,000)- Life in Pink by Vanessa Pellegrin - Morocco

Best Actress Award ($ 500)- Kenza Salahddine in Life in Pink - Morocco

Documentary Film Award ($ 5,000)

Blindness by Bongani Ndaba - South Africa

Best Film from the Democratic Republic of the Congo ($ 5,000)

Nature's Heroes by Gael Bolila - DRC

This prize is supported by Rawbank and illicocash.

Best Actor Award ($ 500)- Yakaru Talibé (A Beggar's Dream) by Abdoul - Senegal

Best Actor Award ($ 500)

Famille Odiri/Udo in Human Migrant - Morocco

Enthusiasm for this second pan-African edition was evident right from the call for films, with a  huge turnout (886 films from 40 African countries received), and continued throughout the online festival phase, with media coverage across the continent and internationally.

International visibility will be also ensured throughout 2023, with screenings at film festivals, associations and cultural institutions, as well as the 600 cinema screens in 31 African countries showing films from the official selection.

To make them as accessible as possible, the films are offered with subtitles in French, English, Arabic, Portuguese and Spanish.

One of the specificities of the Mobile Film Festival is its 100% digital dimension. All the films are available on all our social networks (Youtube, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and TikTok).

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Cities and Local Governments of Africa (UCLG Africa).

Please, contact us for all interview requests with the directors, the festival organization and the jury members.

Press Contact:
Claudia Rodríguez Press Relations Africa
WhatsApp : +33 787 14 15 40
Téléphone : +33 140 09 89 65 Email : presse@mobilefilmfestival.com
WhatsApp for your questions: https://apo-opa.info/3N2L8ye

About the Mobile Film Festival:
The Mobile Film Festival is an international short film festival founded in 2005 based on a simple principle: 1 Mobile, 1 Minute, 1 Film. Our goal is to support, expose and mentor the upcoming talented filmmakers from all over the world, through grants and technical support to help the winners shoot a professional short film.

The Mobile Film Festival is also 100% digital, in order to reach the largest possible audience. Since 2015, the Mobile Film Festival has received 6414 films from 157 countries, 134 million views and awarded more than €360,000 in grants to the winners.

CGLU Afrique:
The umbrella organization of local and regional governments in Africa was founded in 2005 in the town  of  Tshwane, South Africa, following the unification of three continental groups local governments, namely the African Union of Local Authorities (AULA); the Union of African Cities (AVU); and the Africa chapter of the União das Cidades e Capitais Lusófonas (UCCLA). UCLG Africa (UCLGA.org) brings  together  51  national  associations  of local and regional governments from all regions of Africa, as well as 2,000 cities and territories of more than 100,000 inhabitants. UCLG Africa represents more than 350 million African citizens. A founding member of the world organization UCLG, it is the regional chapter for Africa. UCLG Africa's headquarters are based in Rabat, capital of the Kingdom of Morocco, where it enjoys diplomatic status as a Pan-African International Organization. UCLG Africa also has five regional offices across the continent: in Cairo, Egypt, for North Africa; in Accra, Ghana,  for Central Africa; in Libreville, Gabon, for Central Africa; in Nairobi, Kenya, for East Africa; and in Pretoria, South Africa, for Southern Africa.

Programme Capitale Africaine de la Culture:
The African Capitals of Culture program is supported by United Cities and Local Governments of Africa (UCLG Africa). It aims to make culture the fourth pillar of the sustainable development of local authorities, to promote the definition and implementation of cultural policies at the territorial level, and to develop mutually beneficial partnerships between local authorities and actors and promoters of cultural activities, with a view to developing public and private ecosystems capable of making the most of culture to regenerate self-esteem and citizenship, develop decent jobs, particularly for young people and women, and contribute to the international influence of African and Afro-descendant culture.

UNESCO:
UNESCO is the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. UNESCO programs contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals defined in the 2030 Agenda and adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2015. Among many other activities, UNESCO supports the development of audiovisual production for and by young people and women in particular, especially on the African continent.

Programme ACP-EU Culture:
The ACP-EU Culture Programme is an initiative implemented by the Organisation of  African,  Caribbean  and  Pacific States (OEACP) with the financial support of the European Union (EU). This programme illustrates the   desire to stimulate the potential of the cultural and creative sector and its contribution to the socio-economic development of ACP countries. With a budget of € 40 million covering the period 2019-2026, the programme is focused on: (i) encouraging entrepreneurship and cultural and technological  innovation,  as  well  as  the participation of young people; (ii) creating new jobs and increasing the income of artists and cultural professionals;

(iii) improving the quality of ACP cultural productions; and (iv) enhancing the value of ACP cultural productions and artists on international markets. For more information, visit www.ACP-UE-Culture.EU and follow ACP-EU Culture via Twitter / Instagram / Facebook / LinkedIn.

France Médias Monde Groupe:
Watch and listen to the world. France Médias Monde, the group in charge of French international broadcasting, comprises the news channels France 24 (in French, English, Arabic and Spanish), the international radio station      RFI (in French and 16 other languages) and the Arabic-language radio station Monte  Carlo  Doualiya.  France Médias Monde broadcasts to the world in 21languages. Its journalists and correspondents offer viewers, listeners and Internet users comprehensive coverage of world events, with a focus on cultural diversity and contrasting viewpoints via news bulletins, reports, magazines and debates. 66 nationalities  are  represented  among  the  group's employees. Every week, RFI, France 24 and Monte Carlo Doualiya attract 244,2million contacts (2021average). Those outlets have a combined 95million followers on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram  and rose to 2.2billion views and streams in 2021. France Médias Monde is the parent company of CFI, the French media cooperation agency and also a shareholder of the French-language general interest TV channel TV5monde.

LAFAAAC:
LAFAAAC is a mobile training app where you can find high quality courses on the jobs of creative and cultural industries (audiovisual, cinema, music, fashion, video games, etc.), accessible without internet, once downloaded. LAFAAAC is a new digital university!

TV5MONDE+:
TV5MONDE, the world's French-speaking channel, is delighted to be a partner of the Mobile film festival, which celebrates the creativity of the continent's young talents. Thanks to the ease offered by digital technology, mobile phones make it possible to tell beautiful stories whose main actors are the women and men of the continent. The TV5MONDE prize will be awarded to the best Francophone film. On our sites and on our social networks, ten of  the fifty films in competition will be proposed to you. Enjoy the festival!

RFI, une chaîne radio de France Médias Monde:
RFI (Radio France Internationale) is a French news and current affairs public radio station that  broadcasts  worldwide in French and in 16other languages*. RFI is broadcast on 152 different FM frequencies, via short wave relays, on 30 different satellite signals throughout the world and also on the internet and dedicated apps. RFI is  also broadcast across the globe via more than 1950 partner radios. It draws on the expertise of its Paris-based editorial teams and a unique global network of 400 correspondents to provide news bulletins and features offering listeners the means to better understand the world. Some 61.4million listeners around the world tune into RFI   every week, and its digital platforms attract an average of 21.2million visits a month (2021 average) while 29.4million followers stay connected via Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. *Brazilian, Cambodian, Chinese, English, Fulfuldé, Haitian creole, Hausa, Mandinkan, Persian, Portuguese, Romanian, Russian, Spanish, Swahili,Ukrainian, Vietnamese.

France24, une chaîne de télévision de France Médias Monde:
France 24, the international news channel, broadcasts 24/7 to 481.4million households around the  world  in  French, Arabic, English and Spanish. The four channels have a combined weekly  viewership  of  97.8million  viewers. France 24 gives a French perspective on global affairs through a network of 160 correspondent located    in nearly every country. It is available via cable, satellite, DTT,  ADSL, on mobile phones, tablets and connected   TVs, as well as on YouTube in four languages. Every month, France 24's digital platforms attract 23.2million visits, 132.8million video views (2021 average) and 59.9million followers on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

MCD, une chaîne radio de France Médias Monde:
Monte Carlo Doualiya is a French radio station that broadcasts in Arabic from Paris to the Middle East, Mauritania, Djibouti, and Sudan, on FM, via satellite and via partner radio stations. It provides news bulletins and magazines, with a strong focus on culture, live broadcasts, conviviality and interaction. Its editorial team and  worldwide network of correspondents provide coverage of world news to 10.4million listeners every week. Monte Carlo Doualiyais a radio station based on the values of universalism and freedom for listeners of all ages.The station is also accessible via its website, which is one of the most modern of all Arabic-language sites, and via its app and through a range of cable and satellite packages. MCD attract 1.9million visits to its digital platforms every month (2021 average) and 4.6million followers on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Jawjab:
Jawjab is a creative studio, a production company and a place for creation of all sorts. This subsidiary of Ali n' Productions was founded by Nabil Ayouch in 2016, and has distinguished itself by the originality of its content, the diversity of its know-how and the values it holds. Through its platforms, the studio aims to promote the values of gender equality, inclusion and freedom of speech, and is committed to opening up  discussion  on  the  issues specific to Moroccan society, with humility and kindness. A desire that crystallized with the launch of JATWJABT     in 2022, the country's first feminist and inclusive media, which highlights topics related to women and minorities rights.Jawjab focuses its efforts on creating strong concepts, driven by the creativity and expertise of its teams, to birth unique productions that contribute to the development of the Moroccan audiovisual field. Jawjab was rewarded in 2019 with the Samir Kassir prize, awarded by the European Union for the best audiovisual production of the year.

HIT RADIO:
HIT RADIO S.A. is an independent Moroccan Media Group that started its activities with the launch in 2006 of a music radio for Moroccan youth. It was the first radio to broadcast news flashes in Darija the moroccan slangs, to expose the new Moroccan music scene and to launch a "Free Antenna" in Morocco. HIT RADIO is actively participating in the improvement of the national media landscape in a innovative and independent spirit.

With a positioning focused on music, entertainment and freedom of expression, HIT RADIO is listened nowadays by more than 3.4 million daily listeners in Morocco and more than 2 millions per month abroad through the digital audio streaming. Since 2012, the HIT RADIO concept was extended to 9 sub-Saharan countries: Central African Republic, Burkina Faso, Congo, Togo, Gabon, Ivory Coast, Burundi, Chad and Niger.

La Tribune: le média de la transformation et des territoires:
Faced with the acceleration of major digital, ecological and societal transitions, La Tribune is asserting itself in the French media landscape as "the newspaper of the changing world". As a reference media in the economy and finance sector, La Tribune relies on a heritage of 30 years of innovation and sectoral presence in all territories. As a local economic newspaper, its editorial expertise is based on a network of journalists in touch with  the  real economy in the regions and in the major cities.

In a world saturated with information, La Tribune's vocation is to provide a rich and useful expertise. Far from  being exhaustive in its treatment of current events, its editorial staff strives to decipher the subjects at the heart of its editorial line, subjects that are forward-looking and offer solutions in a cross-cutting theme such  as:  the  industry of the future, finance, technological revolutions, entrepreneurship, energy transitions, aeronautics, space and air transport, and the intelligent city in all its components (mobility, commerce, housing, etc.).

CANAL+:
CANAL+ Group is a leading media company and pay-TV operator. CANAL+ Group has a wide  international  footprint with a presence in Europe, Africa and Asia. CANAL+ Group totals 23.7 million subscribers worldwide, including 9 million in mainland France. With STUDIOCANAL, CANAL+ Group is also a European leader in the production, acquisition and distribution of feature films and TV series. It is also a leading player in free-to-air television with a pole of several channels, as well as an ads sales agency. CANAL+ Group is wholly-owned by worldwide integrated content, media and communication group, Vivendi.

We are thrilled to announce the launch of the AEC African Energy Education Fund (www.EnergyChamber.org), an annual program aimed at supporting young individuals across Africa who are pursuing undergraduate studies in oil, gas and energy-related fields. The application cycle for the scholarship award runs from June 2023 to 31 August 2023, and the recipients will be announced at African Energy Week 2023, the AEC's premier event for Africa's energy sector.

The funds come at a critical time when Africa is witnessing rapid advancements in gas and renewable energy, presenting immense opportunities for economic growth and environmental sustainability. Recognizing the importance of harnessing these opportunities and equipping the next generation with the necessary knowledge and skills, we are committed to providing financial aid and educational resources to talented African students from South Africa to Egypt, Ivory Coast, Nigeria, Namibia and across Africa pursuing studies in energy-related fields.

Through strategic partnerships with educational institutions, the Chamber will offer scholarships, grants, and mentorship programs to deserving students on the continent and those studying in the diaspora. This holistic approach to support aims to nurture the brightest minds in the energy sector, enabling them to contribute effectively to the continent's energy transition and project development landscape. By investing in education and professional development, the Fund aims to create a new generation of skilled professionals who will contribute to Africa's energy transformation and project development including gas, nuclear, hydrogen and other renewable energies projects.

As an organization dedicated to improving the African energy sector and fostering a sustainable energy future for the continent, the Chamber recognizes the importance of investing in youth and supporting heightened participation and excellence. The Chamber firmly believes that the younger generation plays a pivotal role in shaping the industry and driving its development. Therefore, it is committed to supporting and empowering young individuals who demonstrate academic excellence and a passion for contributing to the energy sector.

The AEC Energy Education Fund 2023 recognizes and rewards 8 exceptional students, with special consideration given to female students. To be eligible for the award, applicants must under 35 years old and enrolled in undergraduate/postgraduate level studies in any oil, gas or energy-related field. The selection process will primarily be based on academic excellence, ensuring that recipients have demonstrated exceptional performance in their studies.

In addition to the recognition and prestige associated with the AEC Energy Scholarship Award, the recipients will receive financial support ranging from $5,000 to $10,000. This funding is intended to ease the financial burden of pursuing higher education and enable the scholars to focus on their studies and professional development in the energy sector.

Furthermore, the awardees will be given a unique opportunity to attend and actively participate in the youth forum at AEW 2023 – representing the biggest gathering of energy stakeholders on the continent and taking place in Cape Town from 16-20 October 2023. This forum serves as a platform for young professionals to engage with industry leaders, share insights, and exchange ideas on the future of the African energy sector. The event itself provides unparalleled networking opportunities for up and coming entrepreneurs, allowing delegates to make key connections that will fast-track careers and contributions. The recipients of the AEC Energy Scholarship Award will gain invaluable engagement opportunities, exposure to industry trends, and the chance to contribute to meaningful discussions that shape the future of energy in Africa.

“When we empower the next generation of energy leaders, we empower Africa. We believe that by empowering young individuals with knowledge and financial support, we are fostering a brighter future for the energy industry in Africa. Through this scholarship, we aim to recognize academic excellence, promote diversity, and provide valuable opportunities for young professionals to engage with industry leaders. Together, we can shape a more inclusive, sustainable, and prosperous energy landscape for Africa,” states, NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the AEC.

Speaking about the Fund, Oneyka Cindy Ojogbo, an advisory board member of the Chamber and Fund manager stated “the Energy Education Fund holds great promise for both students and Africa as a whole. By investing in the education and professional development of African students in the energy sector, we are fostering a new generation of skilled professionals who will play a crucial role in driving Africa's energy transformation. This fund not only empowers students to realize their full potential but also bolsters Africa's capacity to meet the increasing demands of sustainable and new energy infrastructure and project development to improve energy access."

The application process for the AEC Energy Scholarship Award 2023 is officially open and interested candidates are encouraged to visit the AEC's official website (www.EnergyChamber.org)  or contact oneyka.ojogbo@energychamber.org for further details and application guidelines.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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On June 8, commencing at 5:00 p.m., Mr. HAYASHI Yoshimasa, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, held a telephone talk with the Honourable Dr. Naledi PANDOR, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of the Republic of South Africa, for approximately 15 minutes. The overview is as follows.

Minister Pandor explained African leaders' initiative for peace in Ukraine. In response, Minister Hayashi expressed his respect for African leaders' efforts to achieve peace in Ukraine and stated as Japan's position that Russia's aggression against Ukraine is a clear violation of international law and just and lasting peace in Ukraine cannot be achieved without the withdrawal of Russia from Ukraine.

In addition, the two Ministers confirmed that they would continue their dialogue to achieve a just and lasting peace in Ukraine and agreed to continue working closely together to further develop the bilateral relationship between Japan and South Africa.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan.

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The outbreak of Marburg Virus Disease in Equatorial Guinea ended today with no new cases reported over the past 42 days after the last patient was discharged from treatment.

The outbreak, which was declared on 13 February, was the first of its kind in Equatorial Guinea. A total of 17 laboratory-confirmed cases and 12 deaths were recorded. All the 23 probable cases reported died. Four patients recovered from the virus and have been enrolled in a survivors programme to receive psychosocial and other post-recovery support.

Five districts in four of Equatorial Guinea's eight provinces were affected. Bata district in the western Litoral province was worst-hit, with 11 laboratory-confirmed cases reported. Among the reported cases, many were closely linked either through social gatherings and networks, or geographically.

“While outbreak-prone diseases continue to pose a major health threat in Africa, we can bank on the region's growing expertise in health emergency response to act quickly and decisively to safeguard health and avert widespread loss of life,” said Dr Matshidiso Moeti, World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Director for Africa.

“The hard work by Equatorial Guinea's health workers and support by partner organizations has been crucial in ending this outbreak. WHO continues to work with countries to improve measures to detect and respond effectively to disease outbreaks,” Dr Moeti said.

To support Equatorial Guinea's response to the just-ended outbreak, WHO deployed experts in epidemiology, clinical management, health operations, logistics, risk communications and infection prevention and control. The Organization worked with the health authorities to set up a treatment centre, provided medical supplies including antivirals and trained health workers in the key aspects of outbreak control. WHO also supported the efforts by the authorities in neighbouring Cameroon and Gabon to ramp up outbreak readiness and response.

Although the outbreak has ended, WHO is continues to work with Equatorial Guinea to maintain measures such as surveillance and testing to enable prompt action should flare-ups of the virus occur, with the training provided during the outbreak helping to strengthen readiness capacity.

Marburg is in the same family as the virus that causes Ebola Virus Disease. The Marburg virus is transmitted to people from fruit bats and spreads among humans through direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected people, surfaces and materials.

In Africa, the first outbreak of Marburg was recorded in South Africa in 1975, followed by two others in Kenya in the 1980s. Since then outbreaks have been reported in Angola, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ghana, Guinea and Uganda, and most recently Equatorial Guinea and Tanzania.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO) - Equatorial Guinea.

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The Minister of Finance has determined that Eskom not be granted a partial exemption from section 55(2)(b)(i) of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA), (Act No. 1 of 1999 – the Act) and Treasury Regulation 28.2.1, from disclosing irregular, fruitless and wasteful expenditure and material losses from criminal conduct in its annual financial statements.

The Minister recognises the commitment of the Eskom board and management to fight and expose fraud and corruption, and the additional compliance and reporting burden facing Eskom and other State-Owned Entities (SOEs). However, it is the view of the Minister that Eskom needs to do more operationally to reduce the scope of fraud and corruption before such exemption can be considered, and for it to be effective. and the commitment of the Eskom board and management to fight and expose fraud and corruption, As Eskom attempts to recover from the devastating impact of state capture, and take steps against past and current corruption, it needs to ensure that its anti-corruption strategy is credible and has the support of key stakeholders like investors, lenders, suppliers, customers, and the public.

The National Treasury has engaged with the Auditor-General and considered all public comments received through Government Gazette General Notice No. 3270 of 6 April 2023 which withdrew the Government Gazette General Notice No. 3247 of 31 March 2023 and invited public comments on a proposed exemption for Eskom. In total, fifty-six (56) comments were received, with twenty-three (23) comments received in formal correspondence and thirty-three (33) comments received through emails, covering a broad spectrum of accounting and reporting, auditing, governance, legal principles, and public interest issues have been duly considered. The National Treasury also engaged with audit firms, professional auditing and accounting bodies, a rating agency, and other relevant authorities to discuss the challenges and seemingly onerous compliance reporting requirements applicable to State-Owned Entities such as Eskom.

Although irregular expenditure does not automatically equate to fraud and corruption, many comments submitted view irregular expenditure as an indicator of how SOEs are managing their finances. Accounting and auditing experts noted that SOEs are currently subject to more onerous accounting and reporting standards than commercial companies, as they are required to comply with both the PFMA and the Companies Act, as well as the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and JSE Debt Listing Requirements. In addition, as part of the Eskom debt relief arrangement, the Minister of Finance has instituted additional reporting obligations on Eskom, which the entity will be required to submit to Parliament and oversight structures. The extensive PFMA reporting requirements makes it more onerous for a State-Owned Entity compared to a listed company to have its financial statements qualified, even when there is no financial mismanagement or corruption.

Decision of ESKOM's Partial Exemption

This in turn has the perverse effect of making SOEs more likely to require funding, or a guarantee, from the fiscus.

Whilst Treasury remains committed to promoting the principles of stronger accountability and transparency in all financial matters, as it has done since 1994, it also recognises the need to support and strengthen Eskom and other SOEs in reversing the effects of state capture, making them more agile and responsive to their constitutional mandates and begin to play a more significant role in the economy, contributing to economic growth, and reducing their dependency on the fiscus. In doing this, the National Treasury remains committed to upholding the highest standards of financial governance in the management of Eskom's finances and not compromising the ethos of the PFMA. Treasury will continue to assist Eskom to strengthen its mechanisms to prevent, detect and investigate any financial irregularities, and ensure that acts of fraud and corruption are fully and properly reported, regardless of the reporting requirements.

The National Treasury remains of the view that SOEs are facing legitimate technical challenges regarding compliance reporting, and the need to differentiate between corrupt and suspicious transactions and expenditure made in good faith but not necessarily complying with the plethora of financial and non-financial laws and rules. The comments from professional bodies and experts provide the basis for further engagement on the accounting and compliance reporting challenges, and to assist in developing a better framework for compliance reporting in SOEs. The National Treasury is committed to collaborating further with relevant stakeholders and authorities to contribute to these reforms and ensure that the PFMA adequately addresses the complexities of financial reporting in the public sector.

Treasury will also continue to work with the Auditor-General to develop a revised irregular, fruitless and wasteful expenditure framework to form part of the PFMA reforms and address these and other financial and compliance reporting challenges, which will be finalised after an appropriate consultation process, for implementation in 2024 and after. It will be critical for the country that state-owned entities are not dependent on fiscal allocations and guarantees for their capital and operational funding requirements.

The National Treasury extends its appreciation to all comments, and parties consulted with for their useful comments and engagements regarding the proposed Eskom exemption. The list of commentators is enclosed as Annexure A to this Media Statement.

For any inquiries: send an email to Cleopatra Mosana at media@treasury.gov.za(link sends e-mail).

List of Commentators

Title Received Representation  Name and surname not provided 2023/04/18 

• Trudy Vance 2023/04/17
• Dr. Paul Kariuki 2023/04/17 Civil society, Local Government Advocacy and Learning Network (LGALN) 
• Anthony Savides 2023/04/12
• Christo van Dyk 2023/04/12 
• Anthony Eades 2023/04/11
• Ntombifuthi Geraldine Sibisi 2023/04/11 
• Lindo Mavuso 2023/04/07
• Martin Brown 2023/04/18 
• Name and surname not provided 2023/04/18
• Dave McGlashan 2023/04/17 
• Heleen Rossouw 2023/04/17
• Laetitia Knoetze 2023/04/17 
• Name and surname not provided 2023/04/17
• Name and surname not provided 2023/04/17 
• Dawn Baldwin 2023/04/17
• Name and surname not provided 2023/04/18
• Wayne Duvenage 2023/04/19 Outa 
• Tyla Dallas 2023/04/19
• FW de Klerk Foundation 21 Sandra Van Hoogstraten 2023/04/19 
• Name and surname not provided 2023/04/21
• Name and surname not provided 2023/04/21
• Name and surname not provided 2023/04/20
•  Wouter Wessels, MP 2023/04/20 VF Plus 26
• Melanie Roy 2023/04/21
• Bernard Agulhas 2023/04/21 
• Khaya Sithole 2023/04/22
• Corusca Consulting (Pty) Ltd 29
• Benjamin Cronin 2023/04/22 
• Silindile Kubheka 2023/04/21
• Transnet Title Received Representation
• Rina Kersten 2023/04/21 
• Mxolisi Makhubo 2023/04/21
• African Transformation Movement 
• natashia Soopal 2023/04/21 SAICA 
• Matthew Parks 2023/04/21 COSATU 
• Christopher Fisher 2023/04/21 Helen Suzman Foundation 
• Theuns Du Buisson 2023/04/21Solidarity 
• Premier Western Cape (Alan Winde) 2023/04/21 Western Cape Provincial Government 
• Bukelwa Nzimande 2023/04/21 Greenpeace  
• Cheri-lee.dlamini 2023/04/21 Individual 
• Kganki Matabane 2023/04/21 Black Business Council  
• Siyabonga Gumede 2023/04/21 
• Khal Khumalo 2023/04/21
• Mohodi Mokoena 2023/04/20 
• Akhona Zasembo 2023/04/20
• Sabelo Sikonela 2023/04/20 
• Name and surname not provided 2023/04/21
• Name and surname not provided 2023/04/21 
• Sandile Mngadi 2023/04/21
• Name and surname not provided 2023/04/19 
• Sandra van Hoogstraten 2023/04/19
• Sky Trek 2023/04/18 
• Minde Schapiro & Smith Inc. 2023/04/18
• Democratic Alliance 53 Shivonne Lloyd 2023/04/18 
• Gavin Smith 2023/04/18
• Imre Nagy 2023/04/21 Public Entity 56
• Tsakani Maluleke 2023/05/18
• (Discussions held 15 April 2023)
• Chapter 9 Institution in terms of the Constitution of SA

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of National Treasury, Republic of South Africa.

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The South African Government and organised business have agreed to urgently work together in partnership to remove obstacles to inclusive economic growth and job creation; Three immediate priority interventions agreed: energy; transport and logistics; and crime and corruption; CEOs of South Africa's largest companies committing to contributing considerable skills and resources and work through relevant partnership structures to address key priorities; The work will be directed through the Government-led National Energy Crisis Committee (NECOM), National Logistics Crisis Committee (NLCC), and Joint Initiative to Fight Crime  and Corruption (JICC), and overseen by a Joint Strategic Operations Committee

At a meeting yesterday, 6 June 2023, the South African Government and organised business agreed to work together in partnership, with appropriate engagement and oversight structures, to actively work towards removing obstacles to inclusive economic growth and job creation.

Various Government departments, relevant state-owned enterprises and other appropriate structures will collaborate on clearly defined initiatives with organised business, represented by numerous CEOs under the oversight of Business for South Africa (B4SA), the implementation platform for Business Unity South Africa (BUSA).

This initiative builds on the success of prior collaborations such as the COVID-19 response, where Government and business worked together to implement a nationwide vaccine rollout.

President Ramaphosa said, “This initiative will make a real and marked difference in rebuilding our economy and setting it on a path of sustained inclusive growth. It is driven by a shared determination to overcome the severe challenges we currently face and to mobilise the country's substantial capabilities towards the achievement of that goal. We welcome this commitment from business and undertake as Government to work to ensure the success of this partnership.”

In an unprecedented move and under the umbrella of BUSA, CEOs of South Africa's largest companies together urgently to address key challenges and ensure the country achieves its potential of inclusive growth and job creation. 

Said Adrian Gore, BUSA's Vice President, “South Africa has significant unrealised potential and this partnership agreement underscores business's belief in our country and is a firm commitment to achieving sustainable and inclusive economic growth. Business, working together with all partners, is ideally positioned to ensure a better future, by turning the fly wheel for the benefit of all.” 

At the recent meeting, BUSA, B4SA and CEOs participating in the process, shared the following declaration with the President and Cabinet Ministers: "As South African business leaders we believe in the potential of our country, are committed to building it, and have come together to address the current challenges in order to achieve sustainable inclusive economic growth. We believe that, through partnership and focused interventions, we can make a significant and positive impact on our country and create hope for all South Africans. We are committed to being a force for good."

Minister Ntshavheni said, “In line with our commitment to mobilise the resources and capabilities of social partners to enable collective action to address the challenges facing our country, Government welcomes the support of business in three priority focus areas – energy, transport and logistics, and crime and corruption. This will enable joint action, alongside other social partners, on these critical challenges to set our country on a path to recovery.”

B4SA has made significant progress in establishing the three priority workstreams to work closely with Government in implementing the urgent necessary actions. 

Martin Kingston, chair of the B4SA steering committee, commented, “B4SA's three priority workstreams are fully mobilised and, through joint collaboration and strategic partnerships with Government, are focused on articulating and delivering a critical path to recovery, building societal and business confidence, as well as supporting Government to deliver on these interventions. We are expecting to make considerable progress in the short term to realise collective benefits and set us on a sustainable path which capitalises on the country's significant potential.”

Considerable progress has been made in advancing joint action in the following areas:

• Energy: Advance collaboration, through the National Energy Crisis Committee (NECOM), to end load shedding and achieve energy security. This will be done by supporting a drive to close the current energy capacity gap and build confidence in restoring energy security. Additionally, business has agreed to further capacitate NECOM to develop a confidence building national communication plan that is credible and transparent, and is supported by business, and with visible and demonstrable actions. 
• Transport and logistics: Stabilise and improve operational performance on key trade corridors, mobilising private sector resources and accelerating implementation of the National Rail Policy to close the capacity gap. Work is underway to immediately align and integrate business' efforts into Government's Freight Logistics Roadmap, and urgently enable the development of work plans, deliverables and timelines, while also integrating the private sector into the recently formed National Logistics Crisis Committee (NLCC).
• Crime and corruption: Government is reasserting the primacy of the rule of law and is in the process of strengthening the Investigating Directorate (ID) in the NPA and implementing intelligence, policing and other reforms in response to the recommendations of the State Capture Commission of Inquiry into State Capture, the Panel of Inquiry into the July 2021 Unrest and the High-Level Review Panel on the SSA, which will assist in these efforts. Business will provide support, on a carefully governed arms-length basis, to combat crime and corruption, in particular, expert resources to further capacitate the NPA and the ID. It has also been agreed to establish the Joint Initiative to Fight Crime and Corruption (JICC), which will be the delivery mechanism to implement related interventions. 

Kingston added, “Government and businesses has successfully demonstrated the benefits of partnership for the common good of South Africans through the COVID-19 pandemic, the vaccination programme, the recent formation of the Resource Mobilisation Fund, and many other examples. We have again agreed to work collaboratively, in this case with joint, fit-for-purpose teams through NECOM, NLCC, and JICC, to help drive the urgently needed economic recovery work programme. This will result in workable solutions, and we will communicate publicly on a regular basis as to the objectives and timelines to achieve meaningful progress”.

The workstream priorities will be continuously reassessed and reprioritised and, in the future, additional focus areas, such as water and infrastructure, may be brought into scope.

Success in these priority interventions will create an environment that is more conducive to economic growth and job creation. In parallel, Business and Government will explore ways to advance cooperation on the jobs agenda, and identify what areas of collaboration or existing programmes can be significantly scaled in the short term.

Cas Coovadia, BUSA's CEO, concluded, “Business is ideally positioned to ensure a better future, for the benefit of all, which makes this partnership agreement with Government critically important. South African business leaders are committing to contributing considerable skills and resources and, as a matter of urgency, work through all relevant partnership structures to address our country's priorities. 

Ultimately, success will lead to a significant impact on GDP growth and job creation and will re-instill confidence amongst all stakeholders”.

The following is a short list of CEOs who will be leading business's participation in the workstreams: Fleetwood Grobler, Nolitha Fakude, Mxolisi Mgojo, Andrew Kirby, Jannie Durand, Neal Froneman and Paul Hanratty. Other CEO names will be added to the list over time.

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

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A squad of 35 athletes and officials will proudly represent South Africa at the second edition of the African Beach Games, set to take place in Hammamet, Tunisia from 23-30 June.

This will mark Team South Africa's inaugural participation in the Games. Team SA will be participating in seven sporting codes, which include Athletics (Beach Marathon 10km), Badminton (Air), Rowing (Beach Sprint), Canoeing (Ocean Racing), Swimming (Open Water), Karate (Kata), and Wrestling (Beach).

The 2023 edition of the African Beach Games will be open to all 54 member National Olympic Committees (NOCs) of ANOCA. More than 800 athletes and approximately 1,400 participants are expected to attend this event.

For several disciplines, the African Beach Games will serve as qualifiers for the World Beach Games scheduled to be held in Bali, Indonesia in early August 2023.

The team comprises a blend of athletes who have excelled in various national, continental, and international events within their respective disciplines.

Commenting on this occasion, SASCOC President Barry Hendricks stated, "We are thrilled to send our team to the African Beach Games for the first time, as it provides a significant platform for the development and experience of our continent's youth in the promotion of beach events."

Hendricks further added, "In addition to the competitive aspect, the African Beach Games will expose our athletes to the cultural and artistic elements of the event, fostering connections with athletes from the African region."

The CEO of SASCOC congratulated the selected team and extended well wishes for the upcoming African Beach Games. "We take pride in participating in a continental event under the Olympic rings, promoting Olympic values across the region."

"The opening ceremony of the African Beach Games will coincide with the commemoration of Olympic Day, and Team SA will join the rest of the world to celebrate this important day in the Olympic calendar."

"As the second edition of the Games, we believe that the Beach Games will continue to gain popularity and provide aspiring athletes who do not compete in traditional Olympic codes with the opportunity to represent Team SA at an elite continental multi-coded event," concluded Ms. Jafta.

The full team is as follows:

ATHLETICS (BEACH MARATHON 10KM)

Men

Tebogo Segalagala

Women

Thobile Mkhize

BADMINTON (AIR)

Women

Cayleen Miller

Jabulile Gininda

Diane Olivier

Men

Cameron Coetzer

Reneshan Naidoo

Miguel Vigario

Manager/Coach

Brenda Boshoff

CANOEING (OCEAN RACING)

Women

Nozipho Mthembu

Men

Kwandokuhle Mzolo

Manager/Coach

Nkosiyezwe Mzolo

KARATE (KATA)

Women

Maxine Willemse

Ayesha Esop

Timia Goberdin

Sanjana Maharaj

Men

Jesse Sim

Sibongiseni Ngwenya

Slade Taylor

Manager/Coach

Janita Lakaram

Zachous Banyane

ROWING (BEACH SPRINT)

Women

Ziyanda Gwamanda

Alexandra Ennis

Men

George Du Plooy

Lunga Mcetywa

Manager/Coach

William Godfrey

SWIMMING (OPEN WATER)

Female

Kate Beavon

Amica De Jager

Men

Matthew Caldwell

Manager/Coach

Pheladi Mampa

Garth Tune

WRESTLING (BEACH)

Women

Bea Meiring

Men

Machiel Grobler

James Holder

Manager/Coach

Markus Dekker

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC).

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The ‘Phezulu: Looking Up' podcast series launched today by UNICEF South Africa (www.UNICEF.org/SouthAfrica) tells the stories of the impact of the COVID-19 years on children and young people and how,with the right support and opportunities, children and young people are determined to build a safer, fairer and better post pandemic South Africa.  

The eight-part series delves into issues such as mental wellbeing, disrupted education and access to child healthcare; including routine childhood immunizations, through the voices of children and young people and experts working to mitigate the impact.

“Children and adolescents were affected by every aspect of the COVID-19 pandemic and this podcast series tells their stories of resilience,” said Muriel Mafico, UNICEF South Africa Deputy Representative. “Importantly, the episodes also reflect on the response to share learnings, including how the roll-out of the COVID-19 vaccine saved countless lives and re-opened our world,”

The podcast series features expert analysis and voices, including contributions from academics, all of whom continue to play a critical role in the ongoing recovery for every child. The series not only highlights the indirect impact of COVID-19 on children and youth, but also how COVID-19 vaccinations changed the trajectory of the crisis by enabling children and adolescents to resume their childhoods.

The series will be available on a weekly basis, on all major podcast platforms from 23rd May 2023. Listeners can now subscribe and join the conversation. This production was made possible thanks to the generous support of the German Federal Foreign Office and other partners.

For more information, please see the following links:
https://www.UNICEF.org/southafrica/
https://apo-opa.info/42dIxHD

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of UNICEF South Africa.

Media contacts:
To arrange an interview with one of our experts or request more information contact:
Sudeshan Reddy,
Communication Specialist,
sureddy@unicef.org

Toby Fricker,
Chief Communication and Partnerships, 
tfricker@unicef.org

To arrange an interview with SemaBOX please contact:
Valerie Mumia
valeriemumia@unchartedpr.com

About UNICEF South Africa:
UNICEF works in some of the world's toughest places, to reach the world's most disadvantaged children. Across more than 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, to build a better world for everyone.

About SemaBOX:
SemaBOX is a specialist podcast studio based in Nairobi and also Africa's biggest podcast incubator. We provide technology and production capacity for podcast-making and storytelling for African creators, and creators focusing on stories about Africa. SemabOX HQ is located in Nairobi but is active in 6 African counries with a creator network of over 400 titles.

Today Coca-Cola (http://www.Coca-ColaCompany.com/) has released the first original song to kick off the second season of its COKE STUDIO™ global music platform, which brings the most exciting emerging and breakthrough artists from all corners of the world together to create ‘Real Magic'. The new track, titled “Be Who You Are (Real Magic)” – is written and performed by Grammy-award-winning American songwriter and musician, Jon Batiste, and features artists NewJeans, J.I.D, Camilo and Cat Burns. 

Coca-Cola's 'Real Magic' brand philosophy celebrates the magic of human connection and the belief that our differences make the world a richer and more interesting place. It is a celebration of the real-life moments and the magic, that happens when people come together.  First launched in Pakistan in 2008 and re-launched globally in May 2022, COKE STUDIO™ returns bigger and bolder this year with new artist collision song releases and a program of festival sponsorships, live performances, AR and digital content and on pack experiences, allowing audiences to discover new music wherever they are in the world, running from May – September 2023. 

As a platform that celebrates borderless collaboration, COKE STUDIO™ has brought together Verve Records/Interscope/UMG signed artist Jon Batiste and 16+ of the biggest breakthrough music artists of the moment from South Africa, Egypt, US, UK, Canada, Colombia, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Turkey, China, Korea and the Philippines. These artists have created 9 brand new multi-artist collision songs and exclusive COKE STUDIO™ sessions from each artist, which will be released to global music fans on all music platforms in June and July. 

The “Be Who You Are (Real Magic)” anthem and music video, being released today, is a celebration of the power of staying true to yourself. It reflects on the idea that it is when people are their authentic selves and accept each other's differences, the ‘Real Magic' happens. Penned by Jon Batiste, the song finds him collaborating with the global breakout group NewJeans, pushing the boundaries of K-Pop; Latin Grammy-Award winning pop artist from Colombia, Camilo; British, BRIT Award & Ivor Novello-nominated, chart-topping singer songwriter Cat Burns and Atlanta-born eclectic rapper J.I.D. 

Jon Batiste said “I am proud to partner with Coke to share a message of encouragement and humanity with the world through my music. The Coke Studio platform does great at harnessing their global reach to bring artists of different cultures together in celebration of our cultural differences and the ultimate oneness of us all. This is such a non-traditional, innovative approach we've taken, and it felt very organic for me to just do my World Music Radio thing. When I wrote "Be Who You Are (Real Magic)" I was inspired to create an anthem that captures the Real Magic that happens when we come together as our authentic selves. The anthem features new friends of mine from all around the world, these phenomenally special artists NewJeans, Camilo, J.I.D and Cat Burns. We really had a lot of fun and I hope people everywhere feel the vibe."

In addition to the music, Coca-Cola will launch its first COKE STUDIO™ augmented reality record store on the COKE STUDIO™ Digital Hub - https://apo-opa.info/3MPjZ22 - which will feature an immersive album and mobile digital experience inspired by the “Be Who You Are (Real Magic)” music video. In this virtual world, fans will be able to go into the world of the video, which will feature an avatar of Jon Batiste who will guide users to listen to the artist songs, play games and access artist and backstage content and exclusive prizes. 

Coca-Cola is bringing music closer to fans in the real world by sponsoring the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival last month and Lollapalooza Chicago in August. The brand has also partnered with Tomorrowland Belgium, to host a COKE STUDIO™ live stream from the festival, enabling audiences globally to tune into live performances via the COKE STUDIO™ digital hub.  

Pratik Thakar, Head of Global Strategy & Creative, Coca-Cola™ says “ ‘Real Magic' is all about celebrating what happens when different people come together as their authentic selves. The COKE STUDIO™ platform is the true representation of that, with the amazing artists we have brought together to deliver a program that is bigger and bolder than before.”

“True collaboration between artists from different cultures, genres and backgrounds, what we are calling creative ‘Collisions', are at the heart of our COKE STUDIO™ platform.” Our goal for this program is to always be music-driven and fan-first by bringing unique music and music experiences to the forefront. This year, we've worked with a diverse mix of amazingly talented artists from all over the world, bringing them together to create original music that we hope will transcend boarders and excite music fans with something new.” adds Joshua Burke, Global Head of Music & Culture Marketing, Coca-Cola™.

The COKE STUDIO™ platform is a space for true borderless creation and collaboration amongst emerging and established music artists globally. Curated in collaboration with Universal Music Group, the world leader in music-based entertainment, it offers the rare opportunity for artists from all over the world to collaborate creatively and experiment with sounds from different cultures, fuse genres to create new music and reach global audiences - whether bringing Punjabi music to the US or South African beats to India. 

Today Coca-Cola announces that the collision artists for COKE STUDIO™ 2023 will be: 

• Nasty C (South Africa)
• Afroto (Egypt)
• Camilo (Colombia) 
• NewJeans (Korea)  
• J.I.D (US) 
• Cat Burns (UK)
• Imagine Dragons (US) 
• Sam Smith (UK) 
• Diljit Dosanjh (India) 
• Evdeki Saat (Turkey) 
• Inner City Youth Orchestra of Los Angeles (US)    
• Jessie Reyez (US)
• Shae Gill (Pakistan) 
• Shreya Ghoshal (India)    
• XIN LIU (China) 
• Zack Tabudlo (Philippines)

The Coke Studio™ global platform will go live today (Wednesday May 31 at 08:00 AM ET / 13:00 PM BST): https://apo-opa.info/3MPjZ22 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Coca-Cola.

More images here: https://apo-opa.info/42aiO2I

About The Coca-Cola Company:
The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE: KO) is a total beverage company with products sold in more than 200 countries and territories. Our company's purpose is to refresh the world and make a difference. We sell multiple billion-dollar brands across several beverage categories worldwide. Our portfolio of sparkling soft drink brands includes Coca-Cola, Sprite and Fanta. Our hydration, sports, coffee and tea brands include Dasani, smartwater, vitaminwater, Topo Chico, BODYARMOR, Powerade, Costa, Georgia, Gold Peak, Honest and Ayataka. Our nutrition, juice, dairy and plant-based beverage brands include Minute Maid, Simply, innocent, Del Valle, fairlife and AdeS. We're constantly transforming our portfolio, from reducing sugar in our drinks to bringing innovative new products to market. We seek to positively impact people's lives, communities and the planet through water replenishment, packaging recycling, sustainable sourcing practices and carbon emissions reductions across our value chain. Together with our bottling partners, we employ more than 700,000 people, helping bring economic opportunity to local communities worldwide. Learn more at www.Coca-ColaCompany.com and follow us on Twitter (https://apo-opa.info/3JYiZbi), Instagram (https://apo-opa.info/3ONNWlI), Facebook (https://apo-opa.info/43DKtu5) and LinkedIn (https://apo-opa.info/3qkwBGN). 

About Universal Music Group

At Universal Music Group, we exist to shape culture through the power of artistry. UMG is the world leader in music-based entertainment, with a broad array of businesses engaged in recorded music, music publishing, merchandising and audio-visual content. Featuring the most comprehensive catalogue of recordings and songs across every musical genre, UMG identifies and develops artists and produces and distributes the most critically acclaimed and commercially successful music in the world. Committed to artistry, innovation and entrepreneurship, UMG fosters the development of services, platforms and business models in order to broaden artistic and commercial opportunities for our artists and create new experiences for fans. For more information on Universal Music Group visit www.UniversalMusic.com   

Multi-asset broker Exness (https://www.Exness.com) extended its Exness Fintech Scholarship program in South Africa to reward academic excellence among students in the fields of computer science and applied mathematics. In partnership with the University of Cape Town (UCT), the oldest and highest-rated university in South Africa, Exness funded the studies of three students, Adam Vere studying for an Honors degree in Computer Science, and Thato Thapo and Sipho Nkele, both studying for a Postgraduate degree in Applied Mathematics.

This is the first time a broker has offered scholarships to university students in South Africa, essentially giving them the opportunity to continue their studies on a post-graduate level. The students were selected on rigorous academic criteria and personal interviews conducted by Exness and UCT. The program aims to provide students with potential in ICT fields the opportunity to advance their academic education and pursue a career in the technology sector.

“We are delighted to award these scholarships to Adam, Thato, and Sipho, three young people who show impeccable talent and potential in Computer Science and Applied Mathematics”, Martin Throrvaldsson, Exness Head of CSR, commented. “Exness is committed to giving back to the communities it operates in and the Exness Fintech Scholarship program is a prime example of this. Through this program, three deserving students who may not have had the opportunity otherwise will pursue their academic dreams in ICT fields”, Mr. Thorvaldsson continued. “We are looking forward to seeing what these brilliant minds will achieve in the years to come”, he concluded.

“At University of Cape Town, our aim is to “Unleash human potential to create a fair and just society” – in the core academic functions, the cross-cutting responsibilities of transformation and social responsiveness, and the systems that support and sustain UCT's work. We strive to connect with like-minded visionary partners like Exness to aid us to reach our mission. We are appreciative of this partnership with Exness and we continue to be optimistic to further expand our partner network”, commented Stafford Bomester, Head of Fundraising at University of Cape Town.

It is worth noting the three South African students started the Scholarships in April 2023 and while the Exness Fintech Scholarships program has already awarded scholarships to brilliant students in Cyprus, it will expand to Vietnam, Thailand, and Seychelles in 2023-2024.

Exness is a global multi-asset broker which uses a unique combination of technology and ethics to create a favorable market for traders and raise the industry benchmark. Exness' ethos and vision revolve around the concept of offering its clients a frictionless trading experience, by bringing to life the financial markets in the way they should be experienced. Exness' identity and commitment to the two worlds of technology and ethics, as well as its loyal client base which counts over 500,000 active traders, many of whom are from South Africa and the broader African region, are key drivers of the global brand. Today, Exness records over $3 trillion in monthly trading volume and has set its focus on a strategic expansion to new corners of the world.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Exness.

Trina Solar (www.TrinaSolar.com), the world's leading provider of PV and smart energy total solutions, has responded to the growing demand in South Africa by expanding its operations. With continuous investment in the South African market over the years, the company has recently opened a new office in Johannesburg and a warehouse in Cape Town. This expansion has fueled Trina Solar's unprecedented growth in the region, as evidenced by a record-breaking tripled solar PV module sales volume in 2023.

Recognizing the market's potential, Trina Solar's new office and warehouse aim to enhance the company's distribution network in South Africa. This addition, along with an existing warehouse in Durban, will allow the company to deliver solar products faster and more efficiently to customers across the country and neighboring regions. Trina Solar is dedicated to bringing its latest solar technologies and full solutions to include mounting structures, energy storage systems, and extensive range of solar panels to the market, catering to the diverse needs of its customers.

“With South Africa's goal of reaching net zero emissions by 2050, Trina Solar aims to lead the way in providing solar panels to support this journey towards a sustainable future. The company's n-type module portfolio is based on leading 210mm product technology and n-type i-TOPCon cell technology, which can be applied in numerous settings to help customers meet their energy goals,“ stated Gonzalo de la Viña, President EMEA.

Trina Solar's new next-generation photovoltaic Vertex N AND Vertex S+ panels position the company to provide exceptional products, services and support to its customers in South Africa and beyond. By making their products available locally, Trina Solar aims to become the preferred provider for their customers. With a focus on bringing cutting-edge technology and innovation to the region, Trina Solar offers renewable and sustainable energy solutions to South Africa and the region as a whole.

"We're excited to bring our latest n-type modules to South Africa. Our commitment to South Africa goes beyond bringing top-quality products to the market. With our new Johannesburg offices, we'll provide personalized one-to-one support to our customers. We are committed to continuing to deliver reliable energy solutions to the South African market," commented Gonzalo de la Viña, President EMEA, Trina Solar.

The company also revealed impressive figures indicating its sustained growth in the industry. In 2022, the total module shipments reached 43.09GW, while cumulative module shipments surpassed 140GW by the end of March 2023. Independent research agency TrendForce reported that the industry's cumulative shipments of 210mm modules had surpassed 120GW in the first quarter of the year, with Trina Solar accounting for over 65GW. This makes Trina Solar the top global supplier of 210mm modules, with a market share of more than 50%.

Furthermore, Trina Solar has gained recognition from esteemed international institutions, boasting a perfect score of 100% in the BNEF Bankability Survey for seven consecutive years. In the PV Tech Module Tech Bankability Ratings report, Trina Solar earned a consistent AAA ranking for four quarters in a row, as of the first quarter of 2023.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Trina Solar.

About Trina Solar:
Trina Solar was founded in 1997. As a global leading provider for photovoltaic (PV) module and smart energy solutions, Trina Solar delivers PV products, applications and services to promote global sustainable development. Through constant innovation, Trina Solar continues to push the PV industry forward by creating greater grid parity of PV power and popularizing renewable energy. Trina Solar's mission is to boost global renewable energy development around the world.

To date, Trina Solar has delivered more than 140 GW of solar modules worldwide. In addition, Trina's downstream business includes solar PV project development, financing, design, construction, operations and management, and one-stop system integration solutions for customers. Trina Solar has connected over 9.5GW of solar power plants to the grid worldwide. Trina Solar first launched the Energy IoT brand in 2018 and is now aiming to be a global leader in smart energy. In June 2020, Trina Solar listed on the STAR Market of Shanghai Stock Exchange. For more information, please visit www.TrinaSolar.com.