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President Ramaphosa urges US business to invest in SA’s growing economy

Location: News

President Ramaphosa urges US business to invest in SA’s growing economy

President Cyril Ramaphosa has called on US businesses to deepen their investment ties with South Africa, highlighting the country's renewed focus on economic recovery and structural reform. 

Speaking at the SA-US Interactive Business Forum in New York on Monday, the President emphasised the progress made under South Africa's Government of National Unity (GNU) and the vast opportunities available to foreign investors.

He said this is a “timely intervention”, referencing his first visit to the US since South Africa's general elections in May, which led to a coalition government of political parties committed to inclusive growth and job creation.

“The advent of the Government of National Unity has renewed investor optimism in the South African economy. The message I bring to US investors today is that this optimism is well-placed. 

“South Africa is firmly on the road to recovery, and we invite you to be part of this journey. Investments in South Africa are secure. Our business environment is stable. This is supported policy certainty and regulatory safeguards,” the President said. 

He added that South Africa intends to stay the course on the structural economic reform process, on scaling up investment in key infrastructure, and on improving the business operating environment.

The President noted South Africa’s success in attracting investment, revealing that the country had achieved its target of raising R1.2 trillion (approximately USD 63.6 billion) ahead of schedule in 2022. 

 “We have announced a new target of approximately R2 trillion or approximately USD 100 billion over the next five-year period up to 2028. 

“The far-reaching structural reforms we have implemented over the past six years have opened up the country to increased levels of investment that continues to grow,” the President said. 

Ramaphosa particularly underscored the potential in the clean energy sector, which has attracted significant investment, supporting South Africa’s commitment to decarbonisation and energy security. 

"We are equally committed to a Just Energy Transition that is inclusive, that take our developmental needs into account, and that leaves no community behind. 

“We have a supportive and enabling industrial policy that incorporates amongst others expanding the special economic zones, driving export-led growth, and harnessing the potential of the Africa Continental Free Trade Area or AfCFTA. In January 2024 we began preferential trading under the AfCFTA,” he said. 

The President emphasised that the Government of National Unity is furthermore committed to prudent monetary and fiscal policy and to strengthening regulatory and legislative frameworks to combat corruption.

The President also highlighted the importance of strategic partnerships with US businesses, especially in sectors like advanced manufacturing, energy, healthcare, and infrastructure. 

“South Africa and Africa is ripe for investment in financial services, advanced manufacturing, energy, healthcare, infrastructure development, mining, science and technology and other sectors. South Africa is also developing the value chains of the future.

“With substantial reserves of critical energy transition minerals, we are positioning ourselves to be at the forefront of the green energy revolution,” he said. 

He added that as the country with the world’s largest platinum group metal reserves, South Africa has a competitive advantage when it comes to the production of sustainable energy technologies, including electric vehicles, new energy vehicles and renewable energy components.

President Ramaphosa praised the collaboration between the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE), following the 2022 Memorandum of Understanding. He stated that the partnership between the two stock exchanges “promotes cross-border investment and drives economic growth on a global scale.”

The President further highlighted the US as one of South Africa’s most valued trade partners, noting that bilateral trade totalled USD 17.6 billion in 2022. 

He also praised the impact of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) in fostering trade and creating jobs in sectors like automotive, agriculture, and precious metals.

With Africa's population expected to reach 2.5 billion by 2050, President Ramaphosa painted a bright picture of the continent's economic prospects, noting that the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) would "drive a wave of industrialisation and create dynamic regional value chains."

“This too presents opportunities for US businesses and investors, and opens up new markets for their goods, products and services. 

“Mutually beneficial trade and investment not only unlocks the dynamism and potential of an entire continent. It will also aid Africa’s efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals,” the President said. 

In closing, President Ramaphosa reassured investors of the stability and security of investments in South Africa. 

“South Africa is open for business. Sustainable and inclusive growth spurs development and creates jobs.

“Together, we can forge a path to shared success and progress, leveraging our combined strengths to achieve enduring prosperity for our people,” the President said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

DikelediM
Tue, 09/24/2024 - 11:01

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Read morePresident Ramaphosa urges US business to invest in SA’s growing economy

Trinasolar Reinforces Its Commitment to South Africa’s Renewable Energy Future with Landmark Event in Cape Town

Location: News
Trina Solar

Trinasolar (www.Trinasolar.com), a global leader in smart PV and energy storage solutions, further solidified its commitment to South Africa's renewable energy future with an insightful customer event in Cape Town on August 26th. This event not only emphasized Trinasolar's ongoing expansion in the region but also highlighted its transformative impact on the country's energy landscape. 

The event featured a keynote address by Kadri Nassiep, the City of Cape Town's Energy Executive Director, who provided an insightful overview of the city's energy strategies. Mr. Nassiep's address tackled the critical challenges of power outages and outlined innovative solutions that align with Trinasolar's mission to deliver reliable, sustainable energy to communities across South Africa. 

Zaheer Khan, Regional Director for South Africa at Trinasolar, spoke to the company's significant milestones in the region, reflecting on Trinasolar's growing leadership in the renewable energy sector. "Our journey in South Africa is one of partnership and progress. Trinasolar's advanced technologies and strategic collaborations are not only addressing the immediate energy needs but also laying the foundation for a sustainable energy ecosystem in the country," Khan stated. He further emphasized Trinasolar's role as a catalyst for positive change, driving both economic growth and environmental stewardship in South Africa. 

Peter Pan, Trinasolar's Storage Sales Manager, presented the company's cutting-edge energy storage solutions, which have been instrumental in ensuring energy resilience across different regions. His presentation highlighted Trinasolar's ability to offer full-process solutions that adapt to the diverse and dynamic needs of South African customers, further reinforcing the company's pivotal role in the country's energy transition. 

In a surprise highlight, legendary South African cricketer Dale Steyn shared his journey of overcoming challenges, drawing parallels between his career and the resilience required in the energy sector. Trinasolar also announced the establishment of the Trinasolar SA Padel Club, an initiative designed to strengthen business relationships with key partners in South Africa's renewable energy industry. The club will serve as a platform for collaboration and networking among industry leaders, fostering a community dedicated to the shared goal of sustainable energy advancement. 

The evening concluded with a gala dinner and a captivating performance, leaving guests with a renewed sense of purpose and a commitment to driving forward South Africa's renewable energy agenda, with Trinasolar at the helm. 

Since its founding in 1997, Trinasolar has emerged as a world-leading photovoltaics technology provider. With a robust presence in South Africa, the company continues to innovate and expand, playing a crucial role in the country's transition to a sustainable energy future. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Trina Solar.

About Trinasolar (688599. SH) 
Founded in 1997, Trinasolar Co Ltd (stock symbol: Trinasolar; stock code: 688599) is engaged mainly in PV products, PV systems and smart energy. PV products include R&D, production and sales of PV modules. PV systems consist of power stations and system products. Smart energy comprises mainly PV power generation and operatzions and maintenance, smart solutions for energy storage, smart microgrid, and development and sales of multi-energy systems. We are committed to leading the way in smart PV and energy storage solutions and facilitating the transformation of new power systems for a net-zero future.  

On June 10, 2020, Trinasolar was listed on the Science and Technology Innovation Board (STAR Market) of the Shanghai Stock Exchange(SSE). It was the first PV and energy storage company to go public on the STAR Market providing PV products and systems, as well as smart energy. For more information, please visit www.Trinasolar.com. 

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RS’s Own Brand RS Pro to Become a Key Partner for Planned Maintenance

Location: Business
RS South Africa

RS PRO (https://Africa.RSdelivers.com), the own brand of RS, offers a comprehensive selection of over 80 000 products spanning all industries and technologies. Renowned for its quality and extensive range, RS PRO is the Smart Choice for businesses and working environments.

Planned maintenance is a crucial element of every production cycle, and manufacturing companies regularly schedule downtime for this purpose. To support these maintenance activities, RS PRO is excited to announce the expansion of its Planned Maintenance range. This expansion adds over 850 new products across more than 24 categories to our portfolio, providing all the components and materials needed to optimise this essential process.

Building on a broad existing range of over 55 000 products, this expansion aims to offer our customers an ever-expanding and comprehensive choice at a competitive price.

The new range stands out as the go-to solution for minimising downtime and increasing productivity while reducing costs – from monitoring equipment to assess machine performance to having the right parts available when needed. Test & Measurement, Automation Components, Lighting, Cable Accessories, Batteries, Fasteners & Fixings, Lubricants & Greases, Tools, PPE, Site Safety, and Cleaning solutions. RS PRO offers a comprehensive one-brand solution for diverse maintenance needs.

The Planned Maintenance expansion caters to a broad spectrum of sectors, including discrete and process manufacturing, energy & utilities, facilities & intralogistics. With a new range expansion covering 100% of our 80 000-product selection, RS PRO ensures that its unique offering addresses the specific needs of each customer.

In the ever-changing industrial landscape, RS PRO remains steadfast in its commitment to quality and choice, providing customers with a comprehensive range that meets design and compliance specifications at all stages of the product lifecycle.

For more information about RS South Africa's products and services for the Sub-Saharan market, visit their website (https://Africa.RSdelivers.com/) and follow them on LinkedIn (http://apo-opa.co/3YPXcKR) for regular updates on innovative solutions.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of RS South Africa.

PR Contact Person -
RS South Africa:
Princess Tlou
Communications & Content Specialist
RS South Africa
Princess.Tlou@rsgroup.com
+27 11 691 9366

Media Contact Person –
NGAGE:
Thobile Ndlovu
PR Account Executive
thobile@ngage.co.za
+27 11 867 7763

Further information is available via these links:
Twitter: https://apo-opa.co/3yKqaRJ
LinkedIn: https://apo-opa.co/3YPXcKR
Facebook: https://apo-opa.co/3yKqboL
RS South Africa: www.za.RS-online.com
RS Africa Exports: http://apo-opa.co/3ADBrDT
DesignSpark: http://apo-opa.co/3yKqcZR
RS Group plc: http://apo-opa.co/4cChpai

RS:
RS is a trading brand of RS Group plc, providing product and service solutions that help our customers design, build, maintain, repair, and operate industrial equipment and operations, safely and sustainably. We stock more than 750,000 industrial and electronic products, sourced from over 2,500 leading suppliers, and provide a wide range of product and service solutions to 1.1 million customers.

We support customers across the product lifecycle, whether via innovation and technical support at the design phase, improving time to market and productivity at the build phase, or reducing purchasing costs and optimising inventory in the maintenance, repair, and operation phase. We offer our customers tailored product and service propositions that are essential for the successful operation of their businesses and help them save time and money.

RS Group plc is listed on the London Stock Exchange with stock ticker RS1 and in the year ended 31 March 2023 reported revenue of £2,982 million.

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RS South Africa
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Let’s harness improved confidence to drive inclusive growth – President

Location: News

Let’s harness improved confidence to drive inclusive growth - President

President Cyril Ramaphosa says government remains committed to collaborating with business, labour unions, and other social partners to advance the structural reforms necessary for fostering inclusive economic growth and creating jobs.

The President said this in his weekly newsletter to the nation on Monday.

“We cannot rebuild our country unless all South Africans work together. We will continue to work with business, labour and other social partners to drive the structural reform process that will boost inclusive economic growth and jobs.

“There is indeed an air of optimism in our country. Let us harness this confidence and goodwill to increase the momentum of our shared efforts to build and strengthen our economy,” the President said.

President Ramaphosa highlighted that over the last few months, the country has seen a growing confidence among investors, business and citizens over the prospects of the economy.

The latest Business Confidence Index published by the South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SACCI) points to an increase in business confidence since the elections in May.

The President noted that this sentiment is evident in the Johannesburg Stock Exchange’s All-Share Price Index, which increased by about 8% from the end of May to the end of July 2024. 

“This is welcome news, particularly in light of the most recent employment figures released by Statistics South Africa, which show that unemployment remains extremely high at 33.5%.

“Business confidence is so important to our efforts to create jobs because it signals an improved business environment and encourages new investment. Greater investment in the economy enables faster growth and more job opportunities,” he said. 

For several years, the country has experienced low levels of business confidence, having been negatively affected by the prolonged electricity crisis, State capture, concerns about corruption, the decline of State-owned enterprises and the manner in which law enforcement agencies had been compromised.

President Ramaphosa further reflected that investors have also been concerned about obstacles to growth, such as delays in the release of broadband spectrum, inefficiencies in ports and rail operations, and regulations that have slowed down licensing processes. 

The President lauded the successful holding of the national and provincial elections in May and the formation of the Government of National Unity, both of which have had a positive effect on business confidence.

He said the progress that has been recorded in the reform process thus far has also contributed to the improved sentiment.

Rooting out corruption

To create a conducive environment, the President said government has shown its determination to tackle corruption.

Bodies like the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Special Investigating Unit (SIU) and the Hawks have brought several high-profile cases to trial. The permanent establishment of the NPA’s Investigating Directorate has also given further impetus to the fight against corruption.

Crime is also being tackled. Across the country, the President said, initiatives such as Operation Shanela have upped the war on crime.

“We are clamping down on illicit mining operations. Criminal syndicates involved in cable theft and extortion at construction sites are being dealt with. 

“Through a concerted effort from all stakeholders, we have confronted the electricity crisis. We have now had more than 140 consecutive days without load shedding. There has been a huge increase in new power generation capacity. 

“Investors have seen the growth opportunities in the far-reaching energy reforms we are undertaking. Just last week, I signed into law the Electricity Regulation Amendment Act, which will enable the establishment of a competitive electricity market,” the President said.  

The progress made in electricity provision, he said, gives confidence that the country can overcome the problems on the freight rail lines and ports.

Transnet’s recovery plan is showing progress, with the private sector providing significant technical support and resources to Transnet Freight Rail and Port Terminals.

In Gauteng, the Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal, newly launched state-of-the-art passenger trains are now operating along refurbished and reopened rail corridors, offering commuters faster and more affordable transportation options. 

This development is expected to significantly reduce commuting times and costs for users.

Reforms and investment

Additionally, government has implemented changes to immigration regulations to attract skilled professionals, investment and tourists to South Africa. 

Approval processes for water use licences and energy projects have been expedited, and the release of broadband spectrum aims to unlock the full potential of the telecommunications sector.

These reforms are set to drive economic growth and enhance the country’s global competitiveness. 

The country is also making progress on infrastructure investment. According to Nedbank’s Capital Expenditure Project Listing, the value of fixed investment project announcements in the first half of this year rose to approximately R800 billion.

This was up sharply from just over R190 billion in 2023.

The public sector accounts for most of these projects in areas such as energy, transportation, health facility upgrades, roads and housing. 

“As government, we held a meeting with business leaders last week. Business expressed optimism about the recovery and growth of our economy. They committed themselves to a new era of partnership with government. We agreed on key actions we must now take to build on the progress that has already been made,” the President said. – SAnews.gov.za

DikelediM
Mon, 08/19/2024 - 11:08

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Read moreLet’s harness improved confidence to drive inclusive growth – President

How to Manage Resilient Maintenance, Repair, and Operations (MRO) Supply Chains

Location: Business
RS South Africa

In today's fast-changing and unpredictable world, maintaining a resilient supply chain for Maintenance, Repair, and Operations (MRO) is crucial for businesses across various sectors. The goal is not just to withstand disruptions but to adapt and thrive amidst them. Here RS South Africa (https://apo-opa.co/4c1KTyg)  MD Brian Andrew shares his top 5 tips on how to approach and manage MRO supply chains to ensure resilience against future shocks.

1. Focus on Trusted Suppliers

Instead of diversifying your MRO supplier base extensively, rely on a core group of trusted suppliers that can guarantee delivery certainty. Building strong relationships with these suppliers ensures stability and reliability in your supply chain.

2. Develop a Flexible Supply Chain

When faced with pressure, it's essential to act quickly while considering the long-term consequences. A flexible supply chain and suppliers that can adapt to changing circumstances is key. This flexibility includes being prepared for potential increases in spending or the need to switch suppliers without significant disruptions.

3. Leverage Technology and Data

Utilise eProcurement and Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI) solutions from a trusted and stable procurement partner. Effective planning requires visibility into what is being consumed, especially for companies with multiple plants. High-quality data is essential for maintaining adequate inventory levels and ensuring supply chain resilience.

4. Engage in Sustainable and Ethical Procurement

Cost reduction is important, but sustainable and ethical procurement practices are equally vital. Work with partners who share common goals and include sustainability programs in your procurement processes. This approach not only benefits the environment but also aligns with the values of company management, shareholders, and customers.

5. Plan for Continuity

Continuity planning involves having a comprehensive action plan that includes compliance with policies, processes, and corporate governance. Ethical sourcing of raw materials should be a priority, and procurement departments should challenge the status quo by following ethical sourcing principles.

Supply chain resilience depends on the quality, reliability, and knowledge of suppliers. By working with the right MRO supplier, leveraging technology, and focusing on sustainable practices, businesses can better prepare for future disruptions and maintain a robust supply chain.

For more information on how RS can help you future-proof your MRO supply chain, visit the RS Africa Exports website (https://apo-opa.co/4c1KTyg).

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of RS South Africa.

PR Contact Person - RS South Africa:
Princess Tlou
Communications & Content Specialist
RS South Africa
Princess.Tlou@rsgroup.com
+27 11 691 9366

Media Contact Person – NGAGE:
Thobile Ndlovu
PR Account Executive
thobile@ngage.co.za
+27 11 867 7763

Further information is available via these links:

RS:
RS is a trading brand of RS Group plc, providing product and service solutions that help our customers design, build, maintain, repair, and operate industrial equipment and operations, safely and sustainably. We stock more than 750,000 industrial and electronic products, sourced from over 2,500 leading suppliers, and provide a wide range of product and service solutions to 1.1 million customers.

We support customers across the product lifecycle, whether via innovation and technical support at the design phase, improving time to market and productivity at the build phase, or reducing purchasing costs and optimising inventory in the maintenance, repair, and operation phase. We offer our customers tailored product and service propositions that are essential for the successful operation of their businesses and help them save time and money.

RS Group plc is listed on the London Stock Exchange with stock ticker RS1 and in the year ended 31 March 2023 reported revenue of £2,982 million.

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RS South Africa
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Despite challenges, Southern Africa has improved financial inclusion with adoption of digital financial services

Location: News

United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA)
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South African countries performed well on their financial inclusion, between 2011 and 2021. Progress is partly attributed to rapid adoption of digital financial services including mobile money, according to financial experts at a webinar on the African Financial Sector Southern Africa.

Organized by the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) in partnership with West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU), the webinar is part of a Series themed, Regional Dialogues on the African Financial Sector - regional profile.

The aim of the regional profiles is to provide detailed information on the countries' financial sectors, documenting recent trends, progress, challenges, and opportunities for a deeper financial sector.

In her opening remarks Eunice Kamwendo, ECA's Director of the Subregional Office for Southern Africa noted the potential for growth, innovation and sustainable investments in the financial sector in Southern Africa.

“Southern African region's financial sector faces financial challenges that include liquidity issues, debt distress, limited access to financial services, high levels of informality and regulatory constraints; Despite these challenges, it is important to prioritize the development of the financial sector to create stability, mobilize domestic resources and foster a stable environment for investment,” said Ms. Kamwendo.

Presenting a report on the demographic economic landscape of the Southern African region, Andrew Bamugye, Senior investment manager SME, Trade and Development Bank said the banking sector in Southern Africa has remained solvent with adequate capital; banking liquidity remained sufficient, with most banks seeing profitability between 2021 and 2023.

“The challenge in the banking industry in the region is the strong interconnection between the banking system and non – banking financial institutions and foreign markets, which leads to the risk of contagion,” said Mr. Bamugye.

He proposed that governments should increase fiscal space by expanding government revenues through diversification of the tax base and simplification of tax systems to reduce the exposure of banks to sovereign risks.

Punki Modise, Chief strategy and sustainability officer, ABSA Bank highlighted the varying levels of debt to GDP ratios across African countries and noted that some countries such as Kenya, Ghana, Kenya and Egypt have adopted unsustainable debt strategies. She also emphasized the importance of project preparation and bankability in the private sector.

“Authorities should enhance competition in the banking systems through the promotion of new players especially those that help to improve financial inclusion,” she said.

In addition, she said banks operating in Africa need to have a more end-to-end approach to risk management, considering bankability at all stages.

On capital markets most countries in the Southern African region have a low market capitalization. The Johannesburg stock exchange, which is the leading stock exchange in Africa has a market capitalization of $1022.8 trillion representing 133% of GDP in 2023, against 51.9% of Mauritius and 18.6% of Namibia.

A lack of liquidity characterizes the bulk of the South African stock market and the breadth of the stock market in the region remains limited.

Furthermore, a small, listed number of companies and corporate bonds tend to dominate the fixed income market while the proportion of government bonds in the normal value is much higher.

“A deeper pool of insurers is required for the acceleration of green bonds growth in the region especially among corporate borrowers,” said Mr. Bamugye.

According to the experts attending the meeting, the pension fund penetration remains low in most Southern African countries. However, the high pension penetration rate in South Africa, Namibia and Botswana were the result of good investment returns on the funds, based on a diversified investment strategy coupled with a strong asset allocation process,

Bernard Yen, Actuary and managing director Aon Solutions Ltd, Mauritius highlighted the challenge of encouraging people in the formal sector to save and discussed the importance of structural changes to increase participation in pension funds.

He suggested that structural changes such as tax incentives and simplified registration processes could drive participation. He also emphasized the need for a multi-faceted approach to increase pension fund participation in the region.

“Countries should explore ways to increase participation of informal sector workers in multi-employer pension funds,” he added.

On the question of tapping into southern African SMEs, participants noted that the majority are financially constrained and face a lack of skills in corporate governance, financial management and often contend with high collateral requirements.

Mr. Bamugye noted the need to help SMEs develop bankable business plans and called for streamlining government support programs towards them.

He emphasized the importance of blended finance structures to address the challenges faced by SMEs in the region including the need for risk capital and conditionality and use of unfunded guarantees to unlock local liquidity.

He acknowledged the obstacle of bank credit access in the region particularly for SMEs and encouraged innovative and creative solutions to promote financial inclusion advising that countries should continue to explore innovative instruments and blended approaches to solve SME credit access problems.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA).

Read moreDespite challenges, Southern Africa has improved financial inclusion with adoption of digital financial services

MultiChoice reports resilient performance while expanding its platform

Location: Business
MultiChoice Group

MultiChoice Group (www.MultiChoice.com/) demonstrated resilient operational performance for the year ended March 2024 (FY24), delivering a 26% trading profit margin in South Africa, while increasing trading profit in the Rest of Africa by 48%, despite very challenging macro-economic conditions. Clear strategic milestones were reached, with the group successfully launching Showmax 2.0, SuperSportBet and Moment, all of which are now revenue-generating and supporting the group's future growth prospects.

Download document: https://apo-opa.co/4cj3eXQ

“Four years after setting out a clear strategy of building Africa's entertainment platform of choice and investing in services to support a broader ecosystem, our three core segments are now fully operational: video entertainment, interactive entertainment and fintech. Our focus now shifts to building on these solid foundations to drive growth in these new areas, and on further enhancing business efficiency across our operations.

While we are not alone in feeling the challenges of a weak consumer environment, I am proud of the speed and effectiveness of the team in implementing strategic actions to retain customers, safeguard cash generation and drive costs savings which surpassed our targets. It is the strength of this team, the quality of the underlying business and the clarity of our strategy which underpins my confidence in delivering on our potential,” said Calvo Mawela, MultiChoice Group CEO.

Some key points for the past financial year:

  • Subscriber base: Given the challenging consumer environment, overall active subscribers declined by 9%. This was mainly due to a 13% decline in the Rest of Africa business, with Nigeria, Angola and Zambia most affected, while the South African business was more resilient, declining by only 5%.   
  • Group revenue: increased by 3% on an organic basis. However, due to weaker local currencies and consumer pressure, reported Group revenue declined by 5% to ZAR56.0bn.
  • Subscription revenues: grew by 2% on an organic basis. However, on a reported basis, subscription revenues declined by 7% due to a weaker Naira.
  • Group trading profit: increased 24% on an organic basis, despite the additional ZAR1.4bn investment in Showmax to drive future growth. After factoring in the ZAR4.5bn impact related to foreign exchange weakness, reported trading profit declined by 21% to ZAR7.9bn.
  • Positive operating leverage: Given the positive impact of the lower expenditure (including ZAR1.9bn in cost savings and ZAR1.5bn in reduced decoder subsidies), the group achieved positive operating leverage of 4.3% (i.e. a 3.3% organic revenue increase against a 1% organic reduction in operating expenses).
  • Adjusted core headline earnings: Higher realised hedging gains and benefits from a narrower gap between official and parallel Naira rate, was more than offset by the weaker trading profitability, resulting in adjusted core headline earnings (which now includes losses on cash remittances after tax and minorities) decreasing by 20% to ZAR1.3bn.
  • Free cash flow: amounted to ZAR589m, impacted by lower profitability and the  ZAR1.7bn in Showmax platform payments.
  • Retained cash and cash equivalents: ZAR7.3bn in cash (before short-term commitments) and access to ZAR4.1bn in undrawn borrowing facilities provides significant headroom and flexibility to fund opportunities.

MultiChoice is by far the largest producer of original content on the African continent. In FY24, the group again produced over 6 500 hours of local content and its local content library now has more than 84,000 hours of content, a 12% increase YoY.

The highlight for the year was Shaka Ilembe, which launched on Mzansi Magic in June to become Africa's biggest TV series. Filmed entirely on location in South Africa, it was created through the skills and contributions of over 8 000 people. The premiere episode attracted over four million viewers and was the top-performing show with an audience share of over 45% in its time slot.

Other content highlights of the year was Reyka (season 2), Devil's Peak and White Lies on linear (co-produced with Fremantle, Canal +, Abacus Distribution and BBC Studios-owned Lookout Point) and Spinners, Original Sin: My Son The Killer, and Catch Me a Killer, on streaming. Across Africa, the group launched 3 new proprietary channels - in Ethiopia (Maaddii Abol), Uganda (Pearl Magic Loko) and Mozambique (Maningue Magic Kool) while also producing content in Africa's 4th most spoken language, Oromo.

SuperSport broadcast 34 490 live events during the year – arguably more live sport than any other broadcaster in the world. Highlights included the Rugby World Cup in France, the Cricket World Cup in India, a second  SA20 season in South Africa, AFCON, FIFA Women's World Cup in New Zealand and Australia, as well as the Netball World Cup in Cape Town.

SuperSport Schools more than doubled its registered user base during the year. The fast-growing platform displayed more than 49 000 hours of live programming across 43 different sports codes, covering 900 school sport festivals and events, featuring more than 1 100 schools, and over 14 500 teams.

SEGMENTAL REVIEW

South Africa Pay-TV (MultiChoice South Africa)

Due to a strong focus on retention initiatives, the decline in active subscribers in South Africa was limited to 5%, despite the challenging environment. The base now stands at 7.6 million households.  Power outages experienced on 275 days of the year further discouraged potential subscribers without backup power.

Although the Premium bouquet is trending toward a stable base given the targeted retention efforts, the premium customer tier (which includes the Premium and Compact Plus bouquets) declined by 8%. The mid-market Compact base, which is most exposed to the macro-economic challenges, was down 9%, while the mass-market tier was 2% lower due to pressure in the Family base, the impact of loadshedding, and reduced decoder subsidies.

A consequent 3% decline in subscription revenues and softer advertising income weighed on the segment's total revenues (-2% to ZAR33.6bn), but was partially offset by strong traction from new revenue streams, especially the insurance business (NMSIS) which reported a 35% increase in premium revenue to almost ZAR1bn. Several interventions to reduce costs enabled the SA business to achieve a trading margin of over 26%.  

Rest of Africa Pay-TV (MultiChoice Africa)

The business in the Rest of Africa faced the toughest macro-economic conditions in its core markets with high, double-digit inflation and extreme depreciation of local currencies, (especially in Nigeria, Angola, Kenya and Zambia) which impacted USD revenues by 32%.

The active subscriber base declined to 8.1m, but effective retention efforts contributed to an improved subscriber mix.

Due to the challenging market dynamics, the short-term focus of this business shifted from subscriber growth to safeguard profitability and cash flows. Several cost-saving initiatives were implemented, including scaling back significantly on decoder subsidies (-46% YoY or ZAR1.3bn), and reducing SG&A costs by ZAR500m. These interventions enabled the Rest of Africa business to increase trading profit by 48% YoY to ZAR1.3bn.

Sub-Saharan Africa SVOD (Showmax)

FY24 was a pivotal year for Showmax as it relaunched across 44 markets in sub-Saharan Africa on Peacock's world-class platform, which is 4K/HDR and ATMOS ready. Almost 100% of the eligible customer base was migrated to the new Showmax platform, and 88% of those migrated had reactivated their accounts in the seven weeks to year-end.

Alongside local content from M-Net, Mzansi Magic, Africa Magic and Maisha Magic, Showmax ramped up its local content, releasing 59 original movies and series in SA, Nigeria, Kenya and Ghana (FY23: 48). Popular shows that drove viewership included Tracking Thabo Bester, Koek, The Mommy Club, Youngins, Red Ink, Adulting, Outlaws and Real Housewives of Durban in South Africa, Cheta'm, Real Housewives of Lagos, Dead Serious, Wura and Flawsome in Nigeria, and Single Kiasi and Second Family in Kenya.

Showmax revenues for the year grew by 22% (+22% organic) to ZAR1.0bn, while trading losses increased to ZAR2.6bn. These losses came in below the expected range of ZAR3-4.0bn. As noted before, due to the partnership agreement signed in 2023, 30% of Showmax's funding requirements is contributed by Comcast.

Technology (Irdeto)

Irdeto's strong execution, enabled it to become the market leader in managed security services for video with a 22% market share. It also saw significant success in combatting piracy, taking down some 30 000 streaming piracy services during the year. Revenue increased by 17% (7% organic) driven by external customers across video entertainment, gaming and connected transport, with some additional uplift from a weaker ZAR against the USD. Disciplined cost management supported a 23% trading margin.

Irdeto shipped its first keyless solutions to leading customers, including one of the largest fleet operators in the US market. This resulted in a revenue increase of 119% YoY in the connected transport division, with revenue from new services now representing a combined 35.7% of total revenues. 

Sports betting and interactive entertainment (KingMakers)

KingMakers reported strong growth in the online business in Nigeria, with monthly active users up 37% YoY and online gross gaming revenues up 26% YoY in constant currency. New products were also launched, including BetKing Casino and BetKing FootballGO, a virtual football sportsbook service.

Revenue of USD147m was affected by the weak Naira, while the business reported a positive EBITDA of USD2m. At the end of its December year-end the business had a retained cash balance USD113m to fully fund its growth initiatives.

KingMakers launched the SuperSportBet business in South Africa in January 2024. Its pre-game shows and live feed integration with SuperPicks, as well as the Playbook preview show were key drivers of uptake, further supported by SuperSportBet becoming the official betting partner of local soccer clubs, Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates.

Fin-tech (Moment)

After being founded during FY23, Moment officially launched in FY24. The business played a vital role in the Showmax relaunch stepping up to fill a critical payments gap. In January this year, Moment also began processing MultiChoice's payments for DStv, reaching a milestone of processing USD85m in payments in early March 2024.

To-date, Moment has processed local and cross-border card payments in 44 Showmax markets and is already accounting for more than 20% of Group's payment volumes. It also joined real-time payment networks in 18 countries, including South Africa, and is currently piloting instant payment and account activation for DStv.

The business raised an additional USD22m of funding, with MultiChoice contributing USD8m. As a result, Moment is now valued at USD82m and MultiChoice owns a 26% stake.

FUTURE PROSPECTS

The linear video-entertainment business remains the mainstay of the group's operations and provides a valuable base from which to expand its service offerings. The new streaming, interactive entertainment, fintech and connectivity services are having a positive impact on the business, and more importantly, on the lives of its customers. Going forward, the group will focus its efforts on scaling Showmax, Moment, SuperSportBet, as well as on driving growth in insurance (NMSIS), DStv Internet and DStv Stream.

To counter the challenges around an uncertain economic recovery globally and across the group's operating footprint, the group will continue to drive business efficiency and cost optimisation, with an increased cost savings target of ZAR2bn.

Not only should this mitigate the ongoing impact of currency volatility and consumer weakness on performance, but together with the company's strategic plans to continue adapting its platforms to cater to customers' evolving needs, it positions the group well to prosper once currencies stabilize and economies rebound.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of MultiChoice Group.

MultiChoice Group Contact Details: 
Litlhare Moteetee
Senior Manager: Corporate Communications 
Litlhare.Moteetee@Multichoice.co.za     

Meloy Horn, Head of Investor Relations 
Mobile: +27 82 772 7123 
meloy.horn@multichoice.com    

About MultiChoice Group:
MultiChoice Group (MCG), listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE), is a leading provider of entertainment and related consumer services, with an expanding ecosystem, underpinned by scalable technologies, and a track record now spanning almost 40 years.  MCG provides video entertainment products and services through its linear and streaming platforms to 23.5m households across 50 countries on the African continent and continues to grow by producing and acquiring the best local, sport and international content and offering tiered subscription packages and aggregated streaming services to its customer base. MCG's superior technology capabilities enables it to continue innovating around distribution, digital and payment solutions and content security to offer the best customer experience across the continent. Reaching up to 100 million individuals on a daily basis, the MultiChoice Group is using its scale and distribution to expand its platform to include sports betting and interactive entertainment, fin-tech services, household services (focused on internet connectivity and emergency response services) and ed-tech. Irdeto, MCG's technology business, provides platform cybersecurity services which protect over 6bn devices and applications globally for some of the world's best media and technology brands, as well as clients in the connected industries sector. 

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RS partners with Sharps Electrical to drive innovation and sustainable growth in Botswana

Location: Business
RS South Africa

RS South Africa (www.Africa.RSdelivers.com), a trading brand of RS Group plc (LSE: RS1), a global provider of product and service solutions, has formed a strategic partnership with Sharps Electrical (http://apo-opa.co/3VtNc8b), a leading electrical wholesaler and contractor in Botswana. This collaboration marks a significant stride towards fostering innovation and sustainable growth in the Sub-Saharan African region.

Signed on 1 April, the partnership aims to leverage the strengths of both companies to deliver superior products and services to customers in the region. Prosper Shoniwa, Exports Business Development & Operational Manager at RS, highlights the importance of this collaboration: “This partnership is crucial for RS as it strengthens our presence in the Botswana market.”

He adds: “It aligns with our strategic goal of expanding in key regions to drive growth across Sub-Saharan Africa. By collaborating with Sharps Electrical, known for its reliability and consistency, we can ensure our products are more accessible to the market and offer robust aftersales support. We believe Sharps Electrical is the ideal partner to help us achieve our growth objectives.”

With over fifty years of operational excellence in Botswana, Sharps Electrical provides invaluable local market insights and proficiency. Jose Xavier, Operations Director at Sharps Electrical, expresses his excitement about the partnership: "Our aim is to diversify our product portfolio in conjunction with RS to advance our shared objective of expanding our market presence in Botswana. Together, we can introduce innovative products and foster collaborative efforts to deliver impactful supply and service solutions to our customers.”

The partnership will focus on selling and supporting the comprehensive product range that RS currently offers. This includes electrical components, tools, and advanced engineering solutions tailored to meet the specific needs of the Botswana market. Sharps Electrical will serve as the in-country point of contact for RS, ensuring customers have direct access to technical support and customer care.

By combining the strengths and expertise of both companies, the partnership aims to enhance the customer experience in Botswana. The collaboration will enable the provision of a wider range of high-quality products tailored to meet customer needs. Furthermore, investments in training and development initiatives will empower staff to deliver exceptional customer service, thereby nurturing local partnerships and enhancing logistical efficiency.

Shoniwa adds that the partnership is a significant step in RS' overall growth and expansion strategy. “It not only enhances our presence and operational capabilities in Africa but also presents significant advantages for Sharps Electrical.

“By establishing a local partnership in Botswana, RS aims to engage with customers more intimately, offering tailored support and fostering enduring relationships. This strategic move not only expands our geographical footprint but also ensures enhanced service delivery, crucial components of RS' strategy for sustainable growth and market penetration in new regions," concludes Shoniwa.

To learn more, visit the RS South Africa website.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of RS South Africa.

PR Contact Person - RS South Africa:
Princess Tlou
Communications & Content Specialist
RS South Africa
Princess.Tlou@rsgroup.com
+27 11 691 9366

Media Contact Person – NGAGE:
Thobile Ndlovu
PR Account Executive
thobile@ngage.co.za
+27 11 867 7763 

Further information is available via these links:
LinkedIn: https://apo-opa.co/3KtqlD9
Facebook: https://apo-opa.co/3Reyj6S
Twitter: https://apo-opa.co/3yJPAP7

RS
RS is a trading brand of RS Group plc, providing product and service solutions that help our customers design, build, maintain, repair, and operate industrial equipment and operations, safely and sustainably. We stock more than 750,000 industrial and electronic products, sourced from over 2,500 leading suppliers, and provide a wide range of product and service solutions to 1.1 million customers.
We support customers across the product lifecycle, whether via innovation and technical support at the design phase, improving time to market and productivity at the build phase, or reducing purchasing costs and optimising inventory in the maintenance, repair, and operation phase. We offer our customers tailored product and service propositions that are essential for the successful operation of their businesses and help them save time and money.
RS Group plc is listed on the London Stock Exchange with stock ticker RS1 and in the year ended 31 March 2023 reported revenue of £2,982 million.

RS South Africa: http://apo-opa.co/3VthqIs
RS Africa Exports: http://apo-opa.co/3VtNbkD
DesignSpark: http://apo-opa.co/4bLhPeW
RS Group plc: http://apo-opa.co/4bIfGkj

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RS Africa Export Solutions now caters for different currencies for added customer convenience

Location: Business
RS South Africa

RS South Africa (https://Africa.RSdelivers.com/), a trading brand of RS Group plc (LSE: RS1), a global provider of product and service solutions, is showcasing the significant updates to its Africa Export Solutions website that came into effect last year.

The updates have enhanced customer convenience by enabling purchases in various currencies, explains Sales Director Erick Wessels. “Essentially our ecommerce platform now allows clients to transact in a range of popular currencies.” This can be done easily by means of a simple dropdown menu.

“We initially only had U.S. dollars as it was the main forex reserve currency in Southern Africa,” explains Wessels. However, customer feedback from various key corporates indicated a preference to be able to transact in different currencies such as euros and pounds.

“We then decided to introduce this added functionality online as our offline SAP system has historically allowed customers to trade in any currencies. It meant it was not difficult to integrate and certainly did not require any major overhaul of our website, which is highly user-friendly and simple to navigate,” adds Wessels.

Many British businesses set up operations in lucrative African markets like Kenya and remit to their home office in the UK in pounds, so it made sense for RS to facilitate that process and assist such customers specifically.

“It was mainly a question of enhancing our customer experience and responding to feedback, especially in the face of a dynamic and ever-shifting online trading environment, where responsiveness, user-friendliness and flexibility are key,” highlights Wessels.

This, in turn, also allows such companies to trade with each other in the currency of their respective head offices, especially in Germany and France, where many of RS's major suppliers are headquartered. “By differentiating our currency base on our ecommerce platform, we are able to accommodate these customers directly and thereby grow our market share and customer loyalty throughout the region,” says Wessels.

The Institute of Export & International Trade, comparing RS Export Solutions with an average exporter, has established that it can cut costs by 20% and increase processing efficiencies by 15%. “This reiterates that we are experts at export,” adds Wessels.

RS has the expertise to ensure the prompt delivery of trusted brands across the globe. Using direct export or via its third-party distributor network, RS can meet diverse customer requirements with a complete end-to-end solution or support with advice and paperwork, transforming processing times and guaranteeing compliancy.

Find out more about RS Africa Solutions (https://apo-opa.co/4bNUzN3) here.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of RS South Africa.

PR Contact Person – RS South Africa:
Princess Tlou
Communications & Content Specialist
Africa Exports
Princess.Tlou@rsgroup.com
+27 11 691 9366

Media Contact Person – NGAGE:
Thobile Ndlovu
PR Account Executive
thobile@ngage.co.za
+27 11 867 7763

Further information is available via these links:
Twitter : https://apo-opa.co/3T0ICwS 
LinkedIn: https://apo-opa.co/3I5UIyE
Facebook: https://apo-opa.co/3T2j16J
RS Africa Exports: https://apo-opa.co/42GY3gZ
RS South Africa: https://apo-opa.co/48m0si7
DesignSpark: https://apo-opa.co/4bJaCwo
RS Group plc: https://apo-opa.co/49isz2Z

About RS:
RS is a trading brand of RS Group plc, providing product and service solutions that help our customers design, build, maintain, repair and operate industrial equipment and operations, safely and sustainably. We stock more than 750,000 industrial and electronic products, sourced from over 2,500 leading suppliers, and provide a wide range of product and service solutions to 1.1 million customers.

We support customers across the product lifecycle, whether via innovation and technical support at the design phase, improving time to market and productivity at the build phase, or reducing purchasing costs and optimising inventory in the maintenance, repair and operation phase. We offer our customers tailored product and service propositions that are essential for the successful operation of their businesses and help them save time and money.

RS Group plc is listed on the London Stock Exchange with stock ticker RS1 and in the year ended 31 March 2023 reported revenue of £2,982 million.

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Putting Clients First: Centurion Law Group Rebrands as CLG

Location: News
CLG

Pan-African legal and business advisory group Centurion Law Group has officially rebranded to CLG (https://CLGGlobal.com), underscoring a firm-wide commitment to innovation and growth. The rebrand aligns closely with the firm's mission to consolidate its position as the leading legal practice and business advisor in an ever-evolving energy environment. With the rebrand, clients can expect expanded service offerings and elevated levels of excellence, as the firm moves to become the go-to legal platform for the African continent.

CLG's rebranding responds to growing client and shareholder demand for leadership in tackling complex legal issues across all energy sectors. As one of the continent's fastest-growing industries, energy is undergoing significant development and rapid change. The rebrand positions CLG to support these developments with a team of internationally-trained lawyers offering a suite of comprehensive services.

The firm's team of experienced legal professionals offers an in-depth understanding of the market and excels at navigating complex operating environments. CLG is the preferred professional services partner in Africa, equipped to offer on-the-ground support across multiple sectors.

CLG's rebranding journey is driven by several key motivations, including strategic differentiation, a more streamlined identity, global appeal and expanded service offerings. The new brand identity reinforces the firm's commitment to excellence, while signaling a fresh perspective and approach to legal services. It also provides a modern corporate identity that resonates with clients and stakeholders across diverse markets and builds broader brand recognition.

As a firm, CLG has a rich history of spearheading transformative oil and gas transactions across Africa, setting it apart as the leading law firm for the oil and gas industry. With extensive experience and deep-rooted technical expertise in the sector, CLG has a proven track record of providing top-tier legal services and strategic advice to clients across the energy spectrum. Its team has successfully guided clients through complex regulatory landscapes, contractual negotiations and large-scale transactions.

The firm's comprehensive understanding of the industry and its nuances ensures it is well-equipped to handle all legal aspects of oil and gas projects. From exploration and production to refining and distribution, CLG offers tailored solutions that address the specific needs and challenges of its clients.

Operating in several markets including South Africa, Nigeria, the Republic of Congo, South Sudan, Mauritius, Ghana, Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, Mozambique and Germany, CLG prides itself on building lasting relationships with clients and delivering exceptional results. The firm's reputation for excellence and commitment to client satisfaction makes it the trusted choice for businesses operating in the energy sector.

CLG recently achieved several significant milestones, including securing a listing on the Open Market of the Düsseldorf Stock Exchange under Calvert International AG (CIAG). Founded in 2007, the firm has quickly established itself as a leading pan-African legal and advisory conglomerate, dedicated to providing innovative and strategic solutions to clients across the continent. With a focus on excellence, integrity and client satisfaction, CLG has played a central role in driving the growth and success of its clients in an ever-evolving business environment.

The firm's positive track record serves as a cornerstone for future success, and the CLG rebrand marks a pivotal moment in its journey, symbolizing a strategic shift towards greater success, resonance and impact within the global legal and business landscape. This transformation is not only cosmetic, but also underscores CLG's commitment to serving as a modern, dynamic and global-minded legal, business and tax partner.

“While we are proud of our accomplishments, our sights are set on the future, driven by an unwavering commitment to adapt, innovate and position our company for continued growth and success in an ever-changing business environment. CLG stands resolute in our dedication to meeting the evolving needs of our clients and enhancing the scope and quality of our services,” stated CLG CEO Zion Adeoye.

“The rebranding to CLG signifies a new chapter for our clients as we enhance our focus on delivering exceptional legal, tax and business advisory services. Our clients can expect a more streamlined and impactful experience, backed by our unwavering commitment to their success,” Adeoye added.

Visit CLG's new website at https://CLGGlobal.com. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of CLG.

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Aions Creative Technology invests in five more start-ups to drive economic growth

Location: MyPR

According to the UN, SMMEs represent more than 98% of formal business, while The Brenthurst Foundation reports that these enterprises employ 50-60% of our labour force and contribute 34% towards GDP. However, despite their crucial role, South African SMMEs face numerous challenges, including access to funding, market saturation, and regulatory complexities. The UN reports that …

Read moreAions Creative Technology invests in five more start-ups to drive economic growth

M&A Activity in South Africa expected to remain muted in 2024 amidst global economic headwinds and regulatory uncertainty

Location: MyPR

Chris Green, Managing Partner, Hogan Lovells SA M&A activity in South Africa declined sharply in 2023 relative to the two preceding years, in line with global trends. The factors driving this included, amongst others, global economic headwinds particularly high inflation and high interest rates, the well-documented geopolitical uncertainty in Europe and the Middle East, ongoing …

Read moreM&A Activity in South Africa expected to remain muted in 2024 amidst global economic headwinds and regulatory uncertainty

Rand Merchant Bank (RMB) advises on R3 billion sale of BevCo to Varun Beverages in a landmark Indo-Africa deal

Location: Business
Rand Merchant Bank

India-listed Varun Beverages Limited (“VBL”), the largest PepsiCo bottler outside of the USA and China, entered into an agreement to acquire 100% of the shares in The Beverage Company Proprietary Limited (“BevCo”). RMB (www.RMB.co.za) acted as sole financial advisor to BevCo and selling shareholders, including a Private Equity Fund managed by The Rohatyn Group (post the completed merger of Ethos Private Equity with The Rohatyn Group in April 2023) and Nedbank Private Equity, in a deal with an enterprise value of R3 billion.

BevCo, is one of the largest carbonated soft drinks producers in Southern Africa. Their portfolio consists of the recognisable brands Jive, Coo-ee and Reboost. BevCo also bottles and distributes PepsiCo-branded non-alcoholic beverages in South Africa and has five manufacturing facilities in the country, in addition to operations in Lesotho, Eswatini, Namibia, and Botswana.

“Having invested in 2017, The Rohatyn Group's Africa Private Equity team together with our partners and the management team have built a focused non-alcoholic beverage platform. We executed our original investment thesis over a seven-year period and today the consolidated BevCo is in excess of three times the size and continues to grow its market share organically. VBL brings significant resources and expertise to invest in BevCo's product offering and grow PepsiCo's brands in Southern Africa, while expanding their presence on the continent,” says Glynn Potgieter, Managing Director at The Rohatyn Group.

There are always multiple challenges with cross-border transactions, in this instance including the requirement for compliance with both the Indian Stock Exchange and South African regulations. Regulation in India required a restructure of the BevCo group as well as the transfer of its debt facilities and subsequent deregistration/liquidation of more than ten entities within the group structure. This had implications on what would normally be a standard warranty and indemnity insurance policy. The transaction showcases RMB's advisory capability in successfully navigating complex cross-border transactions and ability to access international buyers for high quality South African assets.

In addition to the corporate finance advisory role to BevCo, RMB's South African and India teams assisted with refinancing the existing debt within BevCo as well as providing incremental acquisition finance for the transaction, in addition to facilitating the flows and foreign exchange conversion for the deal. This demonstrates RMB's expertise and comprehensive solutions offering across the Indo-Africa corridor. With a footprint and expertise based both in South Africa and India, RMB can support clients on both sides of the corridor to enable seamless end-to-end transactions.

“The Indian market reacted extremely positively with VBL's share price increasing in excess of 10% and reaching an all-time high on the day the transaction was announced. The transaction represents a significant investment and an important vote of confidence in South Africa by a large global player in the sector,” says Gareth Armstrong, Corporate Finance Executive at RMB.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Rand Merchant Bank.

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Y’Africa, the TV show that showcases African talent: Orange announces a third season dedicated to the continent’s athletes

Location: News
Orange Middle East and Africa

Orange (www.Orange.com) is launching the third season of its flagship program Y'Africa, which will be broadcast weekly from mid-April on 15 national TV channels across Africa; This new season is dedicated to the journeys of 28 rising sporting talents from 12 countries; Like the first two seasons, it is directed by Dan Assayag and produced by Fame Productions; Season 3 has 7 episodes, each 52 minutes long.

The Y'Africa project was launched by Orange in February 2020. The first two seasons were very successful, not only on the 15 African terrestrial TV channels on which it was broadcast, but also on social media, where content from the series has racked up 80 million views. The first two seasons highlighted the richness and diversity of African culture by profiling 63 artists. The third season presents 28 high-level Olympic and Paralympic athletes and champions, each of them represents the continent's hopes.

Inspired by the extraordinary pool of talent seen across the continent, Y'Africa celebrates the vitality and plurality of modern Africa and its people. The name of the program also reflects this connection, “Y'Africa” is the contraction of “Africa Ya lelo”, or “Africa today” in Lingala.

Breathtaking images, extraordinary stories

Season 3 of Y'Africa involved 18 months of filming in all corners of the world: South Africa, Algeria, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Ivory Coast, Spain, the US, Ethiopia, France, Kenya, Morocco, Nigeria, Senegal, and Tunisia. Among our 28 athletes are 13 Olympic champions, world champions, or world record holders, including:

  • Tigst ASSEFA (Ethiopia), World Marathon Women's Record Holder
  • Hugues Fabrice ZANGO (Burkina Faso), 2023 Triple Jump World Champion
  • Cheick Sallah Junior CISSÉ (Ivory Coast), 2023 World Champion, gold medalist at the 2016 Rio Taekwondo Olympics
  • Tamirat TOLA (Ethiopia), 2022 World Marathon Champion
  • Amane BERISO SHANKULE (Ethiopia), 2023 World Marathon Champion
  • Amos KIPRUTO (Kenya), bronze medalist at the 2019 World Marathon Championships
  • Sabastian KIMARU SAWE (Kenya), 2023 Road Half Marathon World Champion
  • Khadija EL MARDI (Morocco), World Heavyweight Champion in Amateur Boxing 2023
  • Nicolas Pieter DU PREEZ (South Africa), gold medalist at the Beijing 2020 Paralympic Games in Road Cycling
  • Djamel SEDJATI (Algeria), 2022 World Vice-Champion in the 800 Meters
  • Kaylia NEMOUR (Algeria), 2023 Vice-World Champion, Uneven Bars
  • Soumaya BOUSAID (Tunisia), bronze medalist at the Beijing 2020 Para-JOs in the 1500 Meters T13
  • Oussama MELLOULI (Tunisia), gold medalist at the 2012 London Olympics in the 10 Kilometer Open Water

Y'Africa Season 3 covers 21 Olympic disciplines, from traditional favorites (such as athletics, swimming, boxing, gymnastics, fencing, and judo) to the most exciting new ones (including BMX, skateboarding, and surfing). As well as the acclaimed athletes profiled in the series, we also feature rising athletes, training for top-level international competitions through sheer rigor and commitment, despite having not yet won a title. Their journeys, their preparation, and their stories are worth hearing.

Season 3 was also the occasion for last summer's launch of the Y'Africa Facebook page (https://apo-opa.co/4d04OPE). With more than 350,000 followers to date, this exceptional communication platform will help us continue to promote African talent.

Jérôme Hénique, CEO of Orange Africa and Middle East: “Season 3 of Y'Africa marks a new stage in our commitment to highlighting the wealth and diversity of African talent. This series offers a unique platform to celebrate our ambitious and determined youth. I am delighted that the Orange Group is once again playing a key role in highlighting these inspiring stories.”

Caroline Guillaumin, Executive Director of Communications at Orange: “In this Olympic year, we have decided to highlight the sporting talents of the African continent. After two seasons dedicated to artists, Y'Africa returns with an exceptional series of portraits of athletes, women and men, champions, and their aspirations, all arranged around the theme of surpassing oneself. Through this program, launched in 2020, we want to share the dynamics of the African continent with as many people as possible. It is also another way of consolidating the Orange brand by establishing a sincere dialogue with audiences.”

Dan Assayag, Director: “I have admired the beauty, grace, agility, and power of athletes when they realize their full potential. I have understood why motivation is nothing without discipline. I have observed that top athletes have an above-average work capacity. I have also seen their tolerance of pain. I have understood that Olympic sport is a world of its own. And they made me understand, all in their own ways, what it meant to represent your country as an African. For all these reasons, Season 3 of Y'Africa is special for me.”

Discover the first episode of the new season: https://apo-opa.co/49KN1ci

Password: Y'africa

Additional information on Season 3 of Y'Africa is available on Orange.com

And here (https://apo-opa.co/3Jp4axr) you can find the biographies of the athletes, photos and a trailer, as well as the broadcast schedule for the program in the different countries.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Orange Middle East and Africa.

Press contacts:
Elodie Filopon
ef@35ouest.com
+225 07 89 031 724

Ibtissame Nafii
ibtissame.nafii@orange.com
+33 6 37 38 60 50

About Orange:
Orange is one of the main telecommunications companies in the world, with a turnover of 44.1 billion euros in 2023 and 137,000 employees as of December 31, 2023, including 73,000 in France. The group served 298 million customers on December 31, 2023, including 254 million mobile customers and 25 million fixed broadband customers. The group is present in 26 countries. Orange is also one of the world leaders in telecommunications services to multinational companies under the Orange Business brand. In February 2023, the group presented its Lead the Future strategic plan, built on a new business model, and guided by responsibility and efficiency. Lead the Future capitalizes on high-standard networks to strengthen Orange's leadership in quality of service.

Orange is listed on Euronext Paris (ORA) and on the New York Stock Exchange (ORAN).

For more information, see www.Orange.com, www.Orange-Business.com, and the Orange News app, or follow us on Twitter: @presseorange.

Orange and any Orange product or service mentioned in this press release are trademarks owned by Orange or Orange Brand Services Limited.

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RS South Africa Partners with a Kenyan Reseller as a Cornerstone of Its African Strategy

Location: News
RS South Africa

RS South Africa (https://Africa.RSdelivers.com/), a trading brand of RS Group plc (LSE: RS1), a global provider of product and service solutions for industrial customers, has signed up a new reseller in Kenya as a cornerstone of its reseller strategy across Africa.

“As the largest economy in East Africa, Kenya serves as our gateway for market expansion,” comments Prosper Shoniwa, Exports Business Development and Operational Manager, RS South Africa. Such collaboration transcends mere revenue growth. “It is about solidifying our brand presence and fostering lasting connections within the region.”

“The decision to partner with RS stems from our commitment to align ourselves with world-leading products and brands. RS represents excellence and innovation in the industry, making it the perfect fit for our strategic objectives. By joining forces with RS, we aim to offer our customers access to top-notch solutions that meet their evolving needs,” comments Sukhvinder Sagoo, Director, Hydromatics (www.Hydromaticsea.com).

Hydromatics will serve as a key reseller tasked with marketing and selling the full range of RS products in the marketplace. They have a long-standing presence in the Kenyan market, providing them with valuable insight into market dynamics and customer needs. This knowledge enables them to maintain optimal stock levels to reduce lead times and minimise downtime for corporate clients in terms of spare parts and components. Customers also stand to benefit from access to a technically proficient RS partner in Hydromatics, which is equipped to address their challenges effectively.

RS's focus on Maintenance, Repair and Operations (MRO) procurement streamlines purchasing processes, potentially saving corporates up to 35% in expenditure. Moreover, customers can expect top-notch service, thanks to RS's commitment to deliver goods within four to six days. In addition, its in-country resellers are highly qualified professionals dedicated to understanding and addressing client needs comprehensively, ensuring a seamless experience.

“Our strategy is clearly focused on corporate customers, key accounts and appointment of resellers in our focus countries. Adding to this is the critical discussion around MRO, which is our unique value proposition. We believe that this clear route to market strategy and our value proposition will drive our growth in Sub-Saharan Africa,” concludes Shoniwa.

For more information about our extensive product range, visit: www.RSonline.Africa

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of RS South Africa.

PR Contact Person – RS South Africa:
Princess Tlou
Communications & Content Specialist
Africa Exports
Princess.Tlou@rsgroup.com
+27 11 691 9366

Media Contact Person – NGAGE:
Thobile Ndlovu
PR Account Executive
thobile@ngage.co.za
+27 11 867 7763

Further information is available via these links:
Twitter : https://apo-opa.co/3T0ICwS 
LinkedIn: https://apo-opa.co/3I5UIyE
Facebook: https://apo-opa.co/3T2j16J
RS Africa Exports: https://apo-opa.co/42GY3gZ
RS South Africa: https://apo-opa.co/48m0si7
DesignSpark: https://apo-opa.co/4bJaCwo
RS Group plc: https://apo-opa.co/49isz2Z

About RS Group:
RS is a trading brand of RS Group plc, providing product and service solutions that help our customers design, build, maintain, repair and operate industrial equipment and operations, safely and sustainably. We stock more than 750,000 industrial and electronic products, sourced from over 2,500 leading suppliers, and provide a wide range of product and service solutions to 1.1 million customers.

We support customers across the product lifecycle, whether via innovation and technical support at the design phase, improving time to market and productivity at the build phase, or reducing purchasing costs and optimising inventory in the maintenance, repair and operation phase. We offer our customers tailored product and service propositions that are essential for the successful operation of their businesses and help them save time and money.

RS Group plc is listed on the London Stock Exchange with stock ticker RS1 and in the year ended 31 March 2023 reported revenue of £2,982 million.

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Trina Solar Powers Groundbreaking Mooi Plaats 283MWdc Photovoltaic power plant in South Africa

Location: News
Trina Solar

Trina Solar (https://www.TrinaSolar.com/), a global leader in smart PV and energy storage solutions, has announced its partnership with China Energy International Group and China Gezhouba Group to power Mooi Plaats 283MWdc ground photovoltaic power plant project in the Northern Cape Province of South Africa. The project is financed by EDF Renewables, in conjunction with South Africa's local financial institutes.

The signing ceremony, held to mark this significant collaboration, underscores Trina Solar's commitment to driving renewable energy forward in Africa. The project will harness the power of 416,325 panels from the NEG21C.20 Vertex N, with impressive efficiency up to 23.2%. These modules are based on the 210mm product technology platform and excel in power, efficiency, reliability, and levelized cost of energy (LCOE). With a project duration of 22 months, the power generated from Mooi Plaats project will be connected to the Koruson substation, 12 km away via a 132 kV transmission line.

"We are proud to partner with China Energy International Group and China Gezhouba Group to bring this groundbreaking project to fruition," said  Bao Yang, President, Global Sales & Marketing at Trina Solar. “With a total capacity of 283MWdc, the Mooi Plaats PV Power Plant project is considered the largest single PV power plant project in South Africa and is set to make a substantial impact on the region's energy landscape. This collaboration exemplifies our shared commitment to driving sustainable development and powering the future of energy in South Africa." added Yang.

"We are excited to join forces with Trina Solar on this landmark project," said Hu Yuhong, General Manager at China Energy International Group South Africa. "This collaboration represents a significant step towards achieving our shared goal of promoting clean energy and sustainable development in South Africa."

 Chen Zhipei, Project Manager of Mooi Plaats project, at China Gezhouba Group, commented, "As a leading player in the global energy sector, we are proud to contribute our expertise to this project, which will not only deliver clean, reliable power but also drive economic growth and job creation in the region."

The Launch of 283MWdc Mooi Plaats PV Power Plant project represents a major milestone in South Africa's new energy market, Trina Solar is honored to contribute its expertise and technology to this transformative project, which will not only accelerate South Africa's transition to clean energy but also create new opportunities for economic growth and environmental stewardship.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Trina Solar.

About Trina Solar:
Founded in 1997, Trina Solar Co Ltd (stock symbol: Trina Solar; stock code: 688599) is engaged mainly in PV products, PV systems and smart energy. PV products include R&D, production and sales of PV modules. PV systems consist of power stations and system products. Smart energy comprises mainly PV power generation and operations and maintenance, smart solutions for energy storage, smart microgrid, and development and sales of multi-energy systems. We are committed to leading the way in smart PV and energy storage solutions and facilitating the transformation of new power systems for a net-zero future.

On June 10, 2020, Trina Solar was listed on the Science and Technology Innovation Board (STAR Market) of the Shanghai Stock Exchange(SSE). It was the first PV and energy storage company to go public on the STAR Market providing PV products and systems, as well as smart energy. For more information, please visit www.TrinaSolar.com.

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Trina Solar, SOLA and Wilson Bayly Holmes Ovcon (WBHO) Signed Partnership to Launch 195MW Springbok Utility Project Using Vertex N Modules

Location: News
Trina Solar

Trina Solar (https://www.TrinaSolar.com/), a global leader in smart PV and energy storage solutions, proudly announces the commencement of the groundbreaking Springbok project in collaboration with SOLA and WBHO, marking a significant milestone in South Africa's renewable energy landscape. The signing ceremony for this monumental venture took place at Solar & Storage Live Africa, highlighting the importance of strategic partnerships in driving sustainable energy solutions. The Springbok project, located in South Africa's Free State province, is the first and largest privately developed n-type utility-scale project in the country with a capacity of 195MW, standing as a landmark initiative. It is also the first project in South Africa to serve multiple off-takers.

"At Trina Solar, we are proud to contribute to South Africa's renewable energy landscape through the Springbok Project, which will mark a significant milestone in the nation's sustainable journey. Empowering Africa's transition towards renewable energy is fundamental to our mission. Through innovation and technological advancement, we're committed to providing accessible and efficient solar solutions, that propel the continent towards a greener, net-zero future." - Yang Bao, President, Global Sales & Marketing at Trina Solar

This innovative project will harness the power of advanced n-type technology, with Trina Solar supplying a total of 331,200 panels of Vertex N series modules (NEG19RC.20). Leveraging the 210mm product technology platform, these modules excel in power, efficiency, reliability, and levelized cost of energy (LCOE), and have gained recognition among global customers. The Vertex N modules, renowned for their high energy yield, are poised to deliver exceptional performance across diverse settings and weather conditions, setting a new standard for utility-scale photovoltaic projects in South Africa.

"Trina Solar is proud to supply its advanced Vertex N modules for the pioneering Springbok project and thereby delivering substantial value to our customers," commented Zaheer Khan, Regional Director of Southern Africa at Trina Solar. "Our decision to utilize n-type modules emphasizes our dedication to providing high-performance solutions that optimize energy yield, reduce BOS and lower LCOE. We are confident that our modules will deliver unparalleled results, further solidifying South Africa's position as a leader in renewable energy adoption."

WBHO also shared their enthusiasm for the project, highlighting its transformative impact on South Africa's energy landscape."We are thrilled to be part of this groundbreaking initiative," added Derek Wallace, Managing Director of WBHO Construction's Projects Division. "The Springbok project not only demonstrates the potential of renewable energy but also highlights our commitment to fostering sustainable development and driving economic growth in South Africa."

Leveraging on the success of the pioneering 135MW Merak 1 Project, which marked the inception of our partnership with SOLA and WBHO, as well as this groundbreaking 195MW Springbok project, Trina Solar looks forward to continuing such long-term collaboration with both parties to harness the collective expertise and drive further innovation.

As South Africa continues its transition towards renewable energy, Trina Solar remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting the nation's journey towards carbon neutrality. By leveraging cutting-edge technology, Trina Solar is playing a pivotal role in advancing the country's solar industry and contributing to global efforts to combat climate change. With the integrated n-type industrial chain, high-quality products, and excellent service, the company will keep contributing to a net-zero future.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Trina Solar.

About Trina Solar:
Founded in 1997, Trina Solar Co Ltd (stock symbol: Trina Solar; stock code: 688599) is engaged mainly in PV products, PV systems and smart energy. PV products include R&D, production and sales of PV modules. PV systems consist of power stations and system products. Smart energy comprises mainly PV power generation and operations and maintenance, smart solutions for energy storage, smart microgrid, and development and sales of multi-energy systems. We are committed to leading the way in smart PV and energy storage solutions and facilitating the transformation of new power systems for a net-zero future.

On June 10, 2020, Trina Solar was listed on the Science and Technology Innovation Board (STAR Market) of the Shanghai Stock Exchange(SSE). It was the first PV and energy storage company to go public on the STAR Market providing PV products and systems, as well as smart energy. For more information, please visit www.TrinaSolar.com.

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Trina Solar, SOLA, and Wilson Bayly Holmes Ovcon (WBHO) to Power a South African Mining Operation with 135MW Merak 1 Project

Location: News
Trina Solar

In a groundbreaking collaboration, Trina Solar (www.TrinaSolar.com), the world's leading provider of smart PV and energy storage solutions has partnered with SOLA, a South African leader in renewable energy with a focus on utility-scale projects and WBHO Construction to embark on a transformative solar project. The Merak 1 project signifies a major milestone in sustainable energy solutions for South Africa.

Sola and WBHO formed a joint venture to ensure the successful execution of the Merak 1 project, contributing to South Africa's renewable energy goals.

Trina Solar will supply the project with 205,161 panels of its advanced Vertex modules. It is set to provide the power needed for the operations of African Rainbow Minerals, one of South Africa's foremost mining companies, underlining the commitment to harnessing clean and efficient energy sources for large-scale industrial applications. The project is set to be operational by the end of 2024.

"We're proud to be part of this project to supply 135MW 210mm p-type bifacial Vertex modules. This collaboration showcases Trina Solar's commitment to advancing clean energy solutions tailored to the country's industrial needs and deliver high-power, high-efficiency and reliable solar solutions. This project marks our inaugural foray into utility-scale projects of South Africa," commented Zaheer Khan, Regional Director of Southern Africa at Trina Solar.

"We are excited to play a pivotal role in the Merak 1 project, leveraging WBHO Construction's EPC expertise to contribute to South Africa's sustainable energy future. This collaboration underscores our commitment to delivering innovative solutions for utility-scale projects," commented Derek Wallace, Director at WBHO Construction.

The Merak 1 project not only represents a leap forward in the adoption of renewable energy but also showcases the potential of strategic partnerships to drive positive change and address the evolving energy needs of South Africa. Trina Solar continues to contribute to the country's transition towards sustainable and efficient energy solutions, further solidifying its role as a key player in the South African solar industry.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Trina Solar.

About Trina Solar:
Founded in 1997, Trina Solar Co Ltd (stock symbol: Trina Solar; stock code: 688599) is engaged mainly in PV products, PV systems and smart energy. PV products include R&D, production and sales of PV modules. PV systems consist of power stations and system products. Smart energy comprises mainly PV power generation and operations and maintenance, smart solutions for energy storage, smart microgrid, and development and sales of multi-energy systems. We are committed to leading the way in smart PV and energy storage solutions and facilitating the transformation of new power systems for a net-zero future.

On June 10, 2020, Trina Solar was listed on the Science and Technology Innovation Board (STAR Market) of the Shanghai Stock Exchange(SSE). It was the first PV and energy storage company to go public on the STAR Market providing PV products and systems, as well as smart energy. For more information, please visit www.TrinaSolar.com.

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RS PRO Expands Electronics Engineering Range With 1900 New Products

Location: Business
RS South Africa

RS South Africa (https://Africa.RSdelivers.com/), a trading brand of RS Group plc (LSE: RS1), a global provider of product and service solutions for industrial customers, has expanded its RS PRO (https://apo-opa.co/3uZFEzs) electronics engineering range with 1 900 new products across 20 technologies. It offers high-quality electronics components from industrial connectors and passives to the latest test and measurement equipment.

This expansion is specifically curated for professionals engaged in R&D, PCB development, equipment and machinery design, and production line engineering. The electronics engineering range stands as a testament to RS PRO's commitment to providing high-calibre components and precision measuring instruments of the highest quality.

RS PRO stands out as a competitive option between other leading brands. It is synonymous with high-quality products that have undergone rigorous testing and comply with industry standards.

The RS PRO product line boasts an extensive selection of over 80 000 items, boosting its capability to meet any requirement and provide complete solutions. A high inventory availability ensures customers can find everything they need in a simple, efficient, and straightforward way, all under one brand.

The expanded range encompasses the following electronic products: resistors, capacitors, inductors, circuit protection, industrial and AV connectors, fuses, LED indicators, electronic test and measurement, soldering equipment and more.

All products feature the RS PRO Seal of Approval, a guarantee of professional, industrial-grade quality and performance, tested by the brand's team of experienced engineers. RS PRO provides customers with a comprehensive choice of quality solutions, meeting design and compliance specifications at all stages of the product lifecycle.

More information on the expanded RS PRO electronics range is available on the RS website (https://apo-opa.co/4c7HNtQ).

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of RS South Africa.

PR Contact Person – RS South Africa:
Princess Tlou
Communications & Content Specialist
Africa Exports
Princess.Tlou@rsgroup.com
+27 11 691 9366

Media Contact Person – NGAGE:
Thobile Ndlovu
PR Account Executive
thobile@ngage.co.za
+27 11 867 7763

Further information is available via these links:
Twitter : https://apo-opa.co/3T0ICwS 
LinkedIn: https://apo-opa.co/3I5UIyE
Facebook: https://apo-opa.co/3T2j16J
RS Africa Exports: https://apo-opa.co/42GY3gZ
RS South Africa: https://apo-opa.co/48m0si7
DesignSpark: https://apo-opa.co/4bJaCwo
RS Group plc: https://apo-opa.co/49isz2Z

About RS Group:
RS is a trading brand of RS Group plc, providing product and service solutions that help our customers design, build, maintain, repair and operate industrial equipment and operations, safely and sustainably. We stock more than 750,000 industrial and electronic products, sourced from over 2,500 leading suppliers, and provide a wide range of product and service solutions to 1.1 million customers.

We support customers across the product lifecycle, whether via innovation and technical support at the design phase, improving time to market and productivity at the build phase, or reducing purchasing costs and optimising inventory in the maintenance, repair and operation phase. We offer our customers tailored product and service propositions that are essential for the successful operation of their businesses and help them save time and money.

RS Group plc is listed on the London Stock Exchange with stock ticker RS1 and in the year ended 31 March 2023 reported revenue of £2,982 million.

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RS South Africa Showcases Maintenance, Repair, and Operations (MRO) Solutions at Mining and Technical Exhibitions (MTE) Display in Jwaneng, Botswana

Location: News
RS South Africa

RS South Africa (https://Africa.RSdelivers.com/), a trading brand of RS Group plc (LSE: RS1), a global provider of product and service solutions for industrial customers, with over 80 years of technological expertise, is set to participate in the MTE Show in Jwaneng, Botswana, on the 8th of March 2024.

With a legacy spanning over 80 years, RS is a global distributor specialising in a diverse range of services, including Maintenance, Repair, and Operations (MRO) solutions for Corporates and Industrial customers. The company's commitment to technological excellence has positioned it as an industry leader, offering comprehensive solutions that cater to the unique needs of businesses worldwide.

MRO procurement encompasses a wide range of products and services, including spare parts, consumables, tools, safety equipment, maintenance services, and facility management services. These items are essential to ensure the smooth operation, reduced downtime and upkeep of a company's assets. The concept of MRO procurement involves optimising the supply chain to ensure the timely availability of required items while minimising process costs. This includes activities such as identifying reliable suppliers, negotiating favourable contracts, managing inventory levels and streamlining the procurement process.

One of the key highlights of RS MRO solution (https://apo-opa.co/4bFc2I9) is the seamless automation of the purchasing process, streamlining processes and enhancing efficiency for businesses. By incorporating cutting-edge procurement technology, RS ensures that MRO tasks are executed with precision and speed, delivering optimal results for its clients.

Prosper Shoniwa, Exports Sales Manager at RS South Africa, emphasises the company's commitment to providing top-notch MRO solutions: "At RS, we take pride in being pioneers in the MRO space on the continent. Our consolidated MRO offerings and the automation solutions showcase our dedication to efficiency, reliability, and innovation. We invite all forward-thinking corporations to join us at the MTE Show and explore how RS can add substantial value to their operations."

RS collaborates with the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS) globally for extensive research, ensuring its solutions remain at the forefront of industry innovation. CIPS is a global professional body that sets the standard for excellence in procurement and supply management. This collaboration enhances RS ' procurement and supply chain practices, providing access to industry-leading research, best practices, and expertise, ultimately adding value to the customers' operations.

Sharleen Naicker, Digital Marketing Executive, and Charles Nkogatse, Internal Key Account Manager, key representatives from RS, will be present at the MTE Show, ready to engage in discussions with businesses looking to enhance their MRO capabilities. They will be available to share insights into how RS can serve as a strategic partner for companies seeking innovative MRO solutions.

RS recognises the importance of MRO procurement and offers a comprehensive range of products and services to support organisations in this area. Through our vast product portfolio, including our in-house brand, RS Pro, we enable customers to source MRO products efficiently, helping them maintain their operations, reduce downtime, and control costs.

For those interested in delving deeper into RS MRO solutions and strategic partnerships, a comprehensive whitepaper, based on research conducted in collaboration with CIPS, is available for download from the RS website: https://apo-opa.co/4bKTIgI.

For more information on the diverse solutions that can add value to your operations, visit https://Africa.RSdelivers.com/.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of RS South Africa.

PR Contact Person – RS South Africa:
Princess Tlou
Communications & Content Specialist
Africa Exports
Princess.Tlou@rsgroup.com
+27 11 691 9366

Media Contact Person – NGAGE:
Thobile Ndlovu
PR Account Executive
thobile@ngage.co.za
+27 11 867 7763

Further information is available via these links:
Twitter : https://apo-opa.co/3T0ICwS 
LinkedIn: https://apo-opa.co/3I5UIyE
Facebook: https://apo-opa.co/3T2j16J
RS Africa Exports: https://apo-opa.co/42GY3gZ
RS South Africa: https://apo-opa.co/48m0si7
DesignSpark: https://apo-opa.co/4bJaCwo
RS Group plc: https://apo-opa.co/49isz2Z

About RS Group:
RS is a trading brand of RS Group plc, providing product and service solutions that help our customers design, build, maintain, repair and operate industrial equipment and operations, safely and sustainably. We stock more than 750,000 industrial and electronic products, sourced from over 2,500 leading suppliers, and provide a wide range of product and service solutions to 1.1 million customers.

We support customers across the product lifecycle, whether via innovation and technical support at the design phase, improving time to market and productivity at the build phase, or reducing purchasing costs and optimising inventory in the maintenance, repair and operation phase. We offer our customers tailored product and service propositions that are essential for the successful operation of their businesses and help them save time and money.

RS Group plc is listed on the London Stock Exchange with stock ticker RS1 and in the year ended 31 March 2023 reported revenue of £2,982 million.

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