MyZA
News, Directory, Events and Other Stuff
Prize-Winning Pastry Chef Celebrates Social Change With Coffee-Inspired Creations. Johannesburg, August, 2024 – This Women’s Month in South Africa, Nespresso ZA is partnering with rising culinary star MOTHEBA MAKETHA to integrate Nespresso coffee into culinary experiences within the South African context while highlighting the exceptional talent of women in the culinary sector. Currently the pastry …
Mining company African Rainbow Minerals (https://apo-opa.co/46M4tND) reached an agreement last September with financial services company Absa – along with finance institutions Standard Bank, the Development Bank of South Africa and Nedbank – to provide finance for the construction of a 132 MW solar project. The move is set to provide renewable energy to platinum mining projects in South Africa through power purchase agreements (PPAs).
To support the growth of South Africa and Africa's critical mineral industry, Absa is participating in this year's Critical Minerals Africa (CMA) 2024 summit. Shirley Webber, Coverage Head of Resources & Energy at Absa Corporate and Investment Banking – an Absa subsidiary –, will discuss the firm's contributions and investment strategy in the African critical mineral sector.
The Critical Minerals Africa 2024 summit on November 6-7 serves to position Africa as the primary investment destination for critical minerals. The event is held alongside the African Energy Week: Invest in African Energy 2024 conference on November 4-8, offering delegates access to the full scope of energy, mining and finance leaders in Cape Town. Sponsors, exhibitors and delegates can learn more by contacting sales@energycapitalpower.com.
Absa is a major player in Africa's critical mineral industry, providing direct financing to project developers, while supporting critical mineral mining projects through long-term PPAs. The institution is arranging a $120 million debt facility to support platinum group metal (PGM) mining firm Pensana's (https://apo-opa.co/4fTeBZo) strategy to achieve first PGM production in South Africa by 2025. Absa also partnered with French financial services firm Société Générale in March 2023 to raise $130 million in funding to support PGM and chrome-producer Tharisa (https://apo-opa.co/46HEd76) with its mining operations in South Africa.
Absa has positioned itself as a key driver of environmental social governance (ESG) and skills and capacity building within Africa's critical mineral sector as the global mining industry prioritizes environmental sustainability and local content development. In May 2023, Absa closed a $562.4 million sustainability-linked green bond for mining firm Harmony Gold, enabling the company to expand production and reduce its carbon footprint at its gold and copper projects across Africa. As such, Webber is expected to use the CMA 2024 platform to highlight how Absa is driving ESG projects across Africa's critical mineral sector.
“Companies like Absa have positioned themselves as key enablers of Africa's critical mineral industry growth by simplifying access to capital for project developers. As demand for Africa's energy transition metals grows and global markets prioritize environmental sustainability, the capital and ESG expertise provided by Absa will be crucial,” stated Rachelle Kasongo, Project Director at CMA 2024 organizer Energy Capital & Power.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.
Local government called to be responsive to community needs
KwaZulu-Natal Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs MEC, Thulasizwe Buthelezi, has urged local government office bearers to be responsive to the needs of communities or face the consequences from the electorate.
Speaking at the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) KZN Sustainable Governance and Accountability Symposium in Durban last week, Buthelezi underscored the importance of sustainable governance and innovative solutions to meet the challenges facing municipalities throughout the province.
Buthelezi pointed out the complexities confronting municipalities, including climate change, financial limitations, and the imperative for enhanced service delivery.
He advocated for a unified approach to governance that is rooted in sustainability and accountability, which he believes is essential for long-term development and resilience.
“Our municipalities are the cornerstone of our communities, and their effectiveness in service delivery is vital for the welfare of our citizens. The current challenges necessitate a re-evaluation of our governance methods and the adoption of new strategies,” Buthelezi stated.
The MEC said the financial model for municipal funding ought to be reassessed, especially considering the recent veld fires that resulted in 15 fatalities last month. This, he said, demonstrates the urgent need for municipalities to be better equipped for such disasters.
He emphasised the importance of revising the financial support structures for local governments to ensure their preparedness for future challenges.
Buthelezi further praised the joint efforts of all parties involved in promoting accountability and transparency in municipal governance.
He encouraged mayors and senior officials to persist in these endeavours, reminding them that sustainable governance is an ongoing process that demands consistent commitment.
“The prosperity of our municipalities relies on our collective capacity to collaborate, innovate and maintain accountability. Our primary objective is to forge a brighter future for the people of KwaZulu-Natal,” Buthelezi said.
The SALGA KZN Sustainable Governance and Accountability Symposium brought together key local government stakeholders to deliberate on ways to improve governance practices, focusing on sustainability and accountability. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Mon, 08/12/2024 - 11:09
The Beach Palace Ramsgate, a luxurious 5-star guesthouse with stunning views over the Indian Ocean, has been nominated for the prestigious Golden Tree International Travel Award, representing South Africa on the global stage. This nomination is a testament to The Beach Palace’s commitment to excellence, sustainability, and unparalleled guest experiences. As a premier guesthouse, The …
New shopping centre and filling station planned for the precinct Recent sales at 1 300-hectare Renishaw Coastal Precinct have set off a chain reaction of development that will benefit local businesses, surrounding communities and outside investors, further igniting the economic reawakening of the KZN Mid-South Coast. On the morning of Wednesday, 7 August 2024, stakeholders …
The selected young chefs are ready to present themselves to the prestigious Local Jury, showing their unique vision of the future of gastronomy Cape Town, South Africa 2024 – S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy announces the initial line-up of finalists selected for the S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy Competition 2024-25, the global initiative to discover and mentor …
Johannesburg, South Africa – Internationally acclaimed non-profit organisation, The Unlimited Child are proud to announce their newly established partnership with National Treasury’s Jobs Fund. The two have joined forces to address the challenges in Early Childhood Development (ECD), focusing on marginalised rural and peri-urban communities while creating sustainable jobs. Recognising the importance of investing in …
In a new episode of Inside Africa, CNN meets the urban farmers and social entrepreneurs leading the way in food sustainability and economic empowerment from community farms to organic online grocery stores. In Cape Town, Bukho Dem, founder of BSomebodySA has single-handedly opened up a new market for the area’s township based urban farmers, supplying …
Datacentrix, a leading hybrid IT systems integrator and managed services provider, is pleased to announce that it will be hosting the next iteration of its iconic Showcase event on Thursday 22 August 2024 at Montecasino in Johannesburg. The event is proudly supported by Diamond sponsor, Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE). The full-day event promises a vibrant …
TSHWANE: Cricket South Africa (CSA) hosted the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Indaba, from 26 to 28 July 2024, in Tshwane....
African Export-Import Bank's (Afreximbank) (www.Afreximbank.com) first African Quality Assurance Centre (AQAC), implemented in Ogun State, Nigeria, in partnership with Bureau Veritas (BV) has been awarded the ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accreditation by the South African National Accreditation System (SANAS), one of the key accreditation bodies in Africa responsible for carrying out conformity assessments as mandated under South Africa's Accreditation for Conformity Assessment, Calibration and Good Laboratory Practice Act (Act 19 of 2006).
ISO/IEC 17025 is the recognised international standard for testing and calibration laboratories and sets out requirements for the competence, impartiality and consistent operation of laboratories, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of testing and calibration results. The standard enhances the credibility of testing and calibration work by laboratories, by fostering trust among clients and regulatory authorities. Compliance with ISO/IEC 17025 demonstrates a laboratory's commitment to quality, technical proficiency and scientific rigour.
Commenting on the accreditation, Ms. Oluranti Doherty, Managing Director Export Development at Afreximbank said that the accreditation served to validate AQAC's capabilities and expertise and would provide new opportunities to expand the centre's reach.
“By aligning its practices with international standards and best practices, AQAC is well-positioned to attract new clients, foster partnerships with industry stakeholders, and contribute to the advancement of quality assurance practices in Africa,” said Ms. Doherty.
“The impact of this accreditation extends beyond the laboratory as it also contributes to the overall advancement of quality assurance practices in Nigeria. By demonstrating compliance with international standards and best practices, AQAC will help in reducing the rejection rates for Nigerian and African exports,” she said, mentioning that the Bank has committed up to US$100 million to support the development of new AQACs across the continent, with projects being considered in Benin, Chad, Gabon, Kenya and Tanzania.
Jean-Michel Perret, Managing Director, Bureau Veritas Nigeria said, “We are incredibly proud to have achieved the ISO 17025 accreditation for the African Quality Assurance Centre. This milestone reflects our steadfast commitment to providing the highest standards of testing and inspection services. It also demonstrates our dedication to supporting Nigeria's AgroFood industry in meeting international quality benchmarks, thereby facilitating greater access to global markets for ‘Made in Africa' products.”
The accreditation by SANAS amplifies AQAC's ability to offer internationally accredited services for food and agri products and paves the way for a more reliable and robust testing environment in Africa.
SANAS is a signatory to the International Accreditation Forum which gives it world-wide recognition as a competent body for carrying out independent evaluation of certification bodies against recognized standards. It is also a signatory to the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation Mutual Recognition Arrangements, the African Accreditation Cooperation Mutual Recognition Arrangements and the SADCA Mutual Recognition Arrangements, for specific scopes.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Afreximbank.
Afreximbank Media Contact:
Vincent Musumba
Manager
Communication and Events (Media Relations)
Email: press@afreximbank.com
Bureau Veritas Media Contact:
Selin Dincer Cinar
+905 308 61 59 94
Email: selin.dincer-cinar@bureauveritas.com
Seseselelo Matlapeng
+27 (0)78 451 5331
Email: seseselelo.matlapeng@bureauveritas.com
About Afreximbank:
African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) is a Pan-African multilateral financial institution mandated to finance and promote intra-and extra-African trade. For 30 years, the Bank has been deploying innovative structures to deliver financing solutions that support the transformation of the structure of Africa's trade, accelerating industrialization and intra-regional trade, thereby boosting economic expansion in Africa. A stalwart supporter of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), Afreximbank has launched a Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) that was adopted by the African Union (AU) as the payment and settlement platform to underpin the implementation of the AfCFTA. Working with the AfCFTA Secretariat and the AU, the Bank is setting up a US$10 billion Adjustment Fund to support countries effectively participating in the AfCFTA. At the end of December 2023, Afreximbank's total assets and guarantees stood at over US$37.3 billion, and its shareholder funds amounted to US$6.1 billion. Afreximbank has investment grade ratings assigned by GCR (international scale) (A), Moody's (Baa1), Japan Credit Rating Agency (JCR) (A-) and Fitch (BBB). Afreximbank has evolved into a group entity comprising the Bank, its impact fund subsidiary called the Fund for Export Development Africa (FEDA), and its insurance management subsidiary, AfrexInsure (together, "the Group"). The Bank is headquartered in Cairo, Egypt.
For more information, visit: www.Afreximbank.com
Follow us on
Twitter : http://apo-opa.co/3YpB8GT
Facebook : http://apo-opa.co/3WLM7cs
LinkedIn : http://apo-opa.co/4ccUpP5
Instagram : http://apo-opa.co/4d6VtFq
ABOUT BUREAU VERITAS:
Bureau Veritas is a world leader in inspection, certification, and laboratory testing services with a powerful purpose: to shape a world of trust by ensuring responsible progress. With a vision to be the preferred partner for customers' excellence and sustainability, the company innovates to help them navigate change.
Created in 1828, Bureau Veritas' 83,000 employees deliver services in 140 countries. The company's technical experts support customers to address challenges in quality, health and safety, environmental protection, and sustainability.
Bureau Veritas is listed on Euronext Paris and belongs to the CAC 40 ESG, CAC Next 20, SBF 120 indices and is part of the CAC SBT 1.5° index. Compartment A, ISIN code FR 0006174348, stock symbol: BVI.
For more information, visit www.BureauVeritas.com, and follow us on LinkedIn (http://apo-opa.co/3A5IN2V) and X/Twitter (http://apo-opa.co/4dcXpwg).
The head office for Bureau Veritas Middle East, Caspian & Africa region is based in Dubai, For more information, www.BureauVeritas.Africa or www. Middle-East.BureauVeritas.com/
PRETORIA, South Africa – Themed Resilience and Growth in Africa: Leading Sustainable Businesses, Driving Change, and International Opportunities, the summit is gearing up for its 3rd annual edition, its first in South Africa, addressing the continent’s critical challenges by bringing together industry, academia, and government stakeholders to discuss innovative solutions and strategies for building a …
On 1 August 2024, iSchoolAfrica (www.iSchoolAfrica.com) proudly commemorates 15 years of driving educational change across South Africa. Since its inception, iSchoolAfrica has leveraged the world's best technology and educational practices to reduce inequalities, enhance opportunities for exceptional employment, and stimulate economic growth.
iSchoolAfrica's 15 years of success and sustainability stem from an unwavering commitment to making quality technology affordable and accessible. A key element of the programme is the rotation of mobile iPad labs from classroom to classroom – ensuring accessibility, security, longevity, usability, and durability.
The technology solution has a remarkable 5% failure rate, which demonstrates the reliability and durability of their technology. With iPads lasting an estimated 5-6 years within school environments, iSchoolAfrica ensures minimal downtime in schools, contributing to uninterrupted learning and significant cost savings on technical support. This is boosted by the iPads' Mobile Device Management system, which allows for quick and easy remote support.
By upskilling and empowering project champions to execute programs independently, iSchoolAfrica ensures lasting, impactful education solutions with zero compromise on quality and best practices. The fact that there is no compromise gives educators and learners alike the confidence that they matter and this is seen through the improved engagement and performance of the students.
“Over the last 15 years, against all odds we've achieved some incredible things, inspiring teachers to love their jobs again, helping children discover their love of learning through iPad lessons, while sparking hope for countless young learners' futures,“ says Michelle Lissoos, Executive Director of iSchoolAfrica.
Through strategic collaborations with partners, iSchoolAfrica equips South Africa's youth with the tools needed to thrive. The initiative focuses on under-resourced township and rural schools, from Early Childhood Development (ECD) to Grade 12, including mainstream and special needs education. Each school receives a secure mobile lab of 20 iPads, loaded with curriculum software and teacher training and mentoring. The built-in accessibility features of iPads also support children with disabilities, ensuring inclusive education for all.
Another key aspect to iSchoolAfrica's endurance has been the partnerships it has formed along the way. Growthpoint is one such long-term partner, having supported over 25 schools since 2014.
Commenting on their involvement, head of Growthpoint CSR Shawn Theunissen, says: “In order for us to provide support for education, we also needed to ensure that we provide a digital solution. You want to ensure that you are future proofing the youth of South Africa.”
Since its launch, iSchoolAfrica has reached all nine provinces in South Africa, impacting 341 schools and training over 3,000 teachers — impacting over 100,000 learners. Later this year, in partnership with the Imbeleko Foundation, they plan to launch the first Apple Training Authorised Centre in Africa, located in rural Kwa-Zulu Natal.
Key Educational Programmes
iSchoolAfrica is focused on four key educational programmes. These include:
1. Early Learning
Recognising the critical importance of a child's early years, iSchoolAfrica integrates technology into preschool and Grade R to help teachers address core developmental skills essential for young learners. The Early Learning Programme supports the NCF and CAPS curriculum frameworks through interactive social stories and learn-through-play activities.
2. Numeracy and Literacy
iSchoolAfrica addresses South Africa's literacy and numeracy crisis by ensuring learners grasp foundational skills. Partnering with the Unlocking Talent Through Technology Initiative, iSchoolAfrica brings the one billion numeracy programme to primary schools, achieving an average increase of 15% in numeracy results since 2009.
3. Disability and Inclusion
The Inclusion Programme provides solutions for children with various disabilities, including autism, low vision, and cerebral palsy. With 36 special needs schools, iSchoolAfrica has the distinction of having the first Apple Distinguished Special Needs School in the world. Collaborations with CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation SA and CORE have also helped introduce iPads to hospital schools in Gauteng, supporting paediatric oncology patients' education during treatment.
“We have seen a total change in the nature of our learners. They have become a lot more disciplined, creative and enthusiastic. Our kids now have a sense of pride. It empowers them,” says Ishwarlal Reggie, Deputy Principal, MCK Special School.
4. Coding and Robotics
Empowering learners to become innovators, leaders, and builders of their futures, iSchoolAfrica introduces coding and robotics through Apple's Everyone Can Code Curriculum. This program, spanning from ECD to higher education, exposes learners to coding and app design via interactive puzzles and code walkthroughs.
“As iSchoolAfrica celebrates this milestone, our commitment to educational excellence and reducing inequalities remains stronger than ever. We look forward to continuing this journey of empowering South Africa's youth and transforming the educational landscape for years to come,” concludes Lissoos.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of iSchoolAfrica.
NOTE TO EDITORS
MEDIA CONTACT:
Ima Peter
+27 11 268 6388
ima.peter@razorpr.co.za
About iSchoolAfrica:
Since 2009, iSchoolAfrica has provided over 100 000 South African learners, from ECD to Grade 12, with state-of-the-art technology and education practices. Together with our partners, school leaders and educators, we have changed teaching and learning in the most under resourced and vulnerable communities across South Africa, giving youth the opportunity to learn, create and succeed.
Impact and Awards
· Active in nine provinces
· 341 schools in the programme
· 300+ trained teachers
· 200+ rural youth facilitators
· 500+ trained media changemakers
• 22 Excellence in Education Awards
• 2023 Foundation Disability Empowerment Award
• 2023 Gauteng Women's Excellence Award for Innovation
• 2018 New Generation Award
• 2017 Eduweek Award, Inclusion
Programmes
• Early Learning
• Numeracy and Literacy
• Disability and Inclusion
• Coding and Robotics
• Media Changemaker
South Africa is currently experiencing rapid urbanisation, with 63% of the population already residing in urban areas, a figure projected to rise (https://apo-opa.co/3Yt1Azg) to 71% by 2030. By 2050, it is estimated that eight out of every 10 people in the country will live in urban areas. As a consequence, the demand for basic infrastructure and essential services will significantly increase.
While urbanisation is a worldwide development, the growth rate is the fastest in Africa. By 2035, half of its population (https://apo-opa.co/4d151l7) will be living in cities and urban areas. But so far, it has largely translated into rising informal establishments, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, increasing poverty and inequality.
One of the most pressing issues is the dire state of the architectural profession in the region with too few skills on hand.
“As the demand for proper urban planning and development escalates, so does the need for skilled and competent architects who can contribute to sustainable and inclusive cities. However, the current state of the profession is cause for concern, with various obstacles hindering its progress. One of the most significant challenges is the housing crisis, which creates complex issues for architects,” says Devi Paulsen-Abbott at Energy Capital & Power.
The ever-growing urban population has put immense pressure on the limited housing options available, resulting in a dire need for affordable and sustainable solutions. Architects have a crucial role to play in developing innovative and sustainable housing options for all citizens.
“These are the professionals who possess the skills, knowledge, and creativity to design and build the spaces we live and work in. They have the potential to transform our cities and shape them into liveable, inclusive, and sustainable environments. However, the current state of the architectural profession in Southern Africa is hindering its ability to fulfil this critical role,” Paulsen-Abbott states.
Another big challenge facing the local architectural profession is the lack of collaboration between the public and private sectors, she says. “The development of our cities requires a joint effort from both these sectors, but there is a significant disconnect between them.”
As a result, many projects are abandoned, delayed, or poorly executed, leading to subpar living conditions for citizens. Paulsen-Abbott explains that this disconnect also stems from the inadequate recognition and support for the architectural profession. “Despite its crucial role in shaping our built environment, architecture is often undervalued and underfunded by the public sector,” she says. “This results in a lack of resources and opportunities for architects to develop their skills and push the boundaries of innovation in design.”
To address these pressing issues, the upcoming Architecture South Africa Conference (AZA24) (https://ArchitectureZA.org.za/) is a much-needed event. Bringing together over 50 experts under the theme "Where Architecture Meets... US/ PLANET/ FUTURE..." the conference promises to be an insightful and thought-provoking exploration of the dynamic relationship between architecture, humanity and sustainability.
This highly anticipated event, hosted by the SA Institute of Architects (SAIA), Gauteng Institute for Architecture (GIFA), and University of Johannesburg (UJ), will take place from 4-7 September 2024 on the UJ campus.
AZA Convener, Daniel van der Merwe, says: “This conference is a vital opportunity for the architectural profession to come together, collaborate, and find solutions to the challenges facing our cities. By bridging the gap between the public and private sectors, architects can work towards creating more liveable and sustainable cities for all.”
AZA will also serve as a platform for architects to showcase their innovative designs and ideas, encouraging further growth and development within the profession.
“As citizens, we must also realize the importance of the architectural profession in creating a better future for us all. We must demand that our governments prioritise urban planning and development, and allocate sufficient resources and support for the architectural profession,” van der Merwe says.
“The Architecture South Africa Conference AZA 2024 is a call for united action. We know the challenges South Africa faces, lack of sufficient housing, spatial inequality and ailing infrastructure. As architects our ultimate goal is to improve the lives of the end users of the spaces we design, inclusive of everyone in our beautiful country. AZA looks to open the discourse on how we can achieve this. Bringing together thought leaders to empower us all for a bright future,” notes Claire McCusker, President 2024/25 of SA Institute of Architecture (SAIA).
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.
About SAIA:
The South African Institute of Architects (SAIA) (https://SAIA.org.za/) is a voluntary association for Professional Architects. SAIA's mission is to act as the collective voice serving the interests of its members in pursuit of excellence and responsible design. It aims to uphold the dignity of the architectural profession and contribute meaningfully to the enhancement of society and the environment. The fundamental principles of equality and justice are implicit in our Constitution. SAIA incorporates the nine existing regional institutes: Border-Kei [Eastern Cape], CIfA [Western Cape], Eastern Cape, Free State, GIfA [Gauteng], KZNIA [KwaZulu-Natal], Limpopo, Mpumalanga and PIA [Gauteng].
About GIfA:
The Gauteng Institute for Architecture (GIfA) (www.GIfA.org.za/) boasts a rich legacy, tracing its roots back to 1900 as the Transvaal Institute of Architects. Today, we're dedicated to nurturing architectural excellence and raising awareness of the built environment. Our focused committees explore specific topics, addressing both current and historical issues. Moreover, we offer extensive training and development opportunities to members, ensuring continuous professional growth. Through collaborative endeavors and innovative initiatives, GIfA remains at the forefront of architectural advancement, enriching our profession and the communities we serve in the greater Johannesburg area.
About University of Johannesburg:
At the Department of Architecture (https://apo-opa.co/3YlLbg4), our vision is to become the leading school of architecture on the sub-continent via the pursuit of alternative, progressive, and critical spatial practices. We continually strive to be the embodiment of a design-led school of architecture by exploring the making of contextually responsive and appropriately built environments. Our mission is to broaden the scope of architecture through collaborative processes of innovative design, research, and making. We define our identity as a school of architecture that encourages teaching philosophies and a design-studio culture closely related to the changing nature of contemporary cities, specifically Johannesburg, the city which gives our university its name. We achieve this mission by integrating the physical, theoretical, field, and design studio.
About Energy Capital & Power:
Energy Capital & Power (ECP) ECP (https://EnergyCapitalPower.com) is the leading Africa-focused global energy investment platform. Through events, advisory work, news, online content and investment reports, ECP unites the entire energy value chain – from oil and gas exploration to renewable power generation – and facilitates global and intra-Africa investment and collaboration. ECP is committed to bringing together like-minded people with the common objective of facilitating the critical investments that will power Africa's economies, build communities and shape societies. ECP is the place to meet dealmakers and make deals. The company covers the whole value chain of the energy sector: oil and gas, power generation, infrastructure, renewable energy, mining, energy infrastructure, investment and finance and government.
UN Secretary General António Guterres appointed (https://apo-opa.co/3WNr7Cg) a panel dedicated to developing a framework that ensures equity, transparency, sustainability and human rights among critical mineral extraction activities, in April 2024. Uniting government and industry stakeholders, the panel aims to encourage developing countries, including those in Africa – which holds over half of the world's cobalt and manganese reserves and over one-fifth of aluminum and copper reserves – to leverage its critical minerals for enhanced job creation, economic diversification and export revenues.
Reflecting similar priorities, the Critical Minerals Africa (CMA) summit — scheduled for November 6-7 in Cape Town — will host an Industry Leader Forum to explore strategies for ensuring sustainable mineral production and navigating external factors like geopolitical risk, digital transformation and the energy transition. It will also address recent high-level initiatives – from the African Green Minerals Strategy to the global Minerals Security Partnership – and their role in shaping best practices for building resilient mineral supply chains.
Initiated in 2022 by the African Development Bank, the African Green Minerals Strategy (AGMS) (https://apo-opa.co/3y8dZy4) serves as a comprehensive framework for leveraging the continent's mineral resources for industrialization and the development of green technologies. The AGMS aims to articulate Africa's interests in a rapidly changing world, build and retain local value, create jobs, develop new industries, and foster greener economies, as global demand for transition minerals rises.
Meanwhile, the US-led Minerals Security Partnership (MSP) (https://apo-opa.co/3YpZf87) represents a collaborative effort among 14 countries and the European Union to bolster investment in responsible critical minerals supply chains. Through partnerships with governments and industries, the MSP provides support for strategic projects, particularly focusing on lithium, cobalt, nickel, manganese, graphite, rare earth elements and copper. Given Africa's abundant mineral reserves, collaboration with the MSP is particularly relevant for the continent, enabling responsible mineral extraction and supporting local communities and economies, while advancing global clean energy goals.
In February 2023, MSP partners gathered in South Africa to establish guiding principles for global project development, emphasizing local value addition and maintaining sustainability and ESG standards. Representatives from mineral-rich nations, including non-MSP countries like Angola, Botswana, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia, joined the discussions. The meeting sought to ensure that the growth of critical minerals supply chains benefits all stakeholders equitably, underlining the MSP's commitment to responsible mineral extraction and sustainable development.
Furthering efforts to ensure a steady and sustainable supply of CRMs, the EU launched its Critical Raw Materials (CRM) Act in March 2023, as European demand for rare earth metals is expected to increase six-fold by 2030. As part of this initiative, the EU has engaged with several African countries including the DRC, Zambia, Rwanda and Namibia through various MOUs. These agreements aim to foster collaboration within integrating sustainable raw materials value chains, mobilizing funds for infrastructure development, promoting sustainable and responsible production practices, encouraging research and innovation and enhancing capacity building efforts.
Within this context, the Industry Leaders Forum: Driving Innovative Minerals Production at CMA 2024 will explore key trends within the African and global critical minerals landscape. Leaders will discuss how initiatives like the AGMS, MSP and European CRM Act will shape the future of sustainable mineral production and global supply chains.
CMA is the largest gathering of critical mineral stakeholders in Africa. Taking place from November 6 – 7 in Cape Town, the event positions Africa as the primary investment destination for critical minerals. This year's edition takes place under the theme Innovate, Enact, Invest in African Critical Minerals to Sustain Global Growth, connecting African mining projects and regulators with global investors and stakeholders to untap the full potential of the continent's raw materials. Sponsors, exhibitors and delegates can learn more by contacting sales@energycapitalpower.com.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.
Maintaining a resilient supply chain for Maintenance, Repair, and Operations (MRO) is crucial for businesses across various sectors 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 …
Vaal Bulk Bags, a leading provider of high-quality bulk bags, is dedicated to offering durable and reliable storage solutions for various industries. With a strong emphasis on safety and efficiency, Vaal Bulk Bags provides comprehensive guidelines on how to stack bulk bags properly for storage and insights into the longevity of these essential containers. Proper …
DMPR notes withdrawal of TotalEnergies from offshore blocks
The Department of Minerals and Petroleum Resources has expressed confidence that a suitable investor will come on board and “be able to monetise” gas discoveries off the south coast of South Africa.
This after international energy giant, TotalEnergies, announced its withdrawal from offshore Block 11B/12B and 5/6/7.
“The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) notes TotalEnergies' announcement to exit from offshore blocks 11B/12B and 5/6/7. We are confident that a suitable investor will come on board and be able to monetise the gas discoveries.
“The department remains committed to the exploration of the country’s oil and gas resources and will intensify engagements with key role players to ensure the development and sustainability of the sector,” the department said in a statement.
Furthermore, the DMPR said it was pleased that the company is not totally withdrawing from South Africa.
“Additionally, we are pleased that TotalEnergies is not entirely leaving oil and gas opportunities in South Africa as they still hold exploration rights over Blocks Deep Water Orange Basin and Orange Basin Deep, Outeniqua South, and recent entry in Block 3B/4B east of Deep Water Orange Basin,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Tue, 07/30/2024 - 09:58
Rush Nutrition has created a proudly African range of Superfoods, snacks and beverages built on a foundation of feminine innovation and ingenuity. · 100% vegan, kosher and Halaal, the Rush stable of premium quality and natural health solutions are 100% healthy and natural · Nutrient-dense, clean, and pure, the range of snacks and juices from …
By Fhulu Badugela, CEO of Multichoice Africa (www.MultiChoice.com)
As MultiChoice published its annual ESG report earlier this month, I was struck by the aptness of the term sometimes used in relation to such documents: integrated reporting. Integration is fundamental to any kind of environmental, social and governance (ESG) impact.
MultiChoice Group has had three decades to find that particular sweet spot, refining its formula of enriching lives, while transforming African entertainment and broader society.
The beauty of the approach can be seen in the way key business touchpoints dovetail with ESG principles.
By way of illustration, the MultiChoice commitment to hyperlocal storytelling has meant a need to create homegrown, locally relevant content. This in turn has led MultiChoice to create regional MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF) academies in Nairobi, Lagos and Lusaka, training aspiring filmmakers.
Not only has this created a rich pipeline of authentic talent, it has built a vast library of local content. This fuels the ongoing success of MultiChoice as an entertainment platform, where Africa's people can see African creators telling African stories.
Social upliftment
In ESG parlance, this supports the social-development pillar. To date, 467 filmmakers have been trained by the MTF. These young people have gone on to work on hit African shows on regional channels across the continent.
In East Africa, graduates secured story development grants, gained acclaim at international film festivals and showcased their commitment to environmental consciousness by presenting at the Youth and Climate Action meeting.
In West Africa, Azeezah Sama, produced by a student from the class of 2023, was selected for prestigious film festivals such as the Toronto International Nollywood Film Festival. Africa Magic commissioned productions from three MTF alumni companies, generating employment opportunities and amplifying the programme's impact in the region.
Meanwhile, in Southern Africa, MTF alumni feature films have premiered on Zambezi Magic, and interns have contributed to more than 30 professional productions, including hit shows like Idols, Adulting, My Brother's Keeper, Champions, and Gen Zee.
Economic impact
Besides skills development, MultiChoice makes direct investments in job creation and economic empowerment for emerging economic sectors. The MultiChoice Enterprise Development Trust oversees two key initiatives aimed at fostering the growth of startups and small enterprises: the Innovation Fund and the Africa Accelerator programme.
To date, the MultiChoice Innovation Fund has supported 77 black-owned small businesses with at least 50% female-black ownership and disbursed R407 million in loans, grants and business development expenses. This has created 1 400 employment opportunities.
Last year, the MultiChoice Accelerator programme helped 11 entrepreneurs from South Africa to secure more than $17 million in investments from investors in the United Arab Emirates.
Also last year, the Enterprise Development Fund funded four new tech-related companies, including two owned by black women, to the tune of R26.74 million, creating 395 jobs.
Developmental governance
Integrated ESG principles mean that the crucial MultiChoice governance function must also have a developmental role, while still enabling the business generate value for all stakeholders.
That means ethical, developmental governance. The Group inculcates these principles in our people through mandatory training – anti-bribery, ethical conduct; and “better place to work” training on the MultiChoice Academy platform.
Another of the company's biggest governance focus areas is the fight against content piracy, which poses a significant threat to the business and the wider industry. With Partners Against Piracy (PAP), MultiChoice has signed Memorandums of Understanding with governments across Africa to combat broadcasting piracy.
The MOUs establish partnerships for capacity building, benchmarking, and experience sharing, as well as intellectual-property rights protection, training, and skills development. In addition, a multi-governmental workshop in mid-2024 will review piracy policies and actions, with an eye to amending cybercrime legislation.
Environmental awareness
Deeply conscious of how our operations impact the environment, MultiChoice takes direct steps to limit our emissions and energy efficiency – but always in ways that can be integrated into our ways of doing business.
We have taken proactive steps to enhance energy efficiency in our electricity consumption, air-conditioning systems, data centres, heating and ventilation. We have invested in green infrastructure, including installing light motion sensors within buildings, LEDs equipped with daylight harvesting capabilities, solar panels and energy-efficient inverter technology.
These initiatives have seen us reduce total Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions to 67 675 tonnes of CO2 equivalent from 75 060 tonnes in 2023, a tangible move towards sustainability and responsible resource management through more eco-friendly operations.
We have managed to make these sustainability improvements in ways that continue to generate income for the group. The R10,7 billion we pay in taxes in 2024 underlines our integration into the continent's economy.
Ultimately, the proof of our ESG impact will be in our ability to continue operating sustainably, into the future, in a way that enriches lives for all the people we touch.
We are proud to have met this challenge successfully for the past three decades, and we are confident we will continue doing so for decades to come, by integrating our purpose – enriching lives – into our way of doing business.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of MultiChoice Group.
The Awareness Company, founded by Priaash Ramadeen, Shazia Vawda, and Estelle Lubbe, brings together nearly six decades of collective experience in fields ranging from border control and defense to municipal processes and conservation. Their situational awareness software has been instrumental in protecting over 10,000 rhinos, utilized by more than 200 organizations worldwide. Ramadeen highlights the …
Johannesburg, South Africa – JR Activate, a 100% black female-owned enterprise, has established itself as a leading force in the event management industry, showcasing an impressive ability to execute events of all scales with precision and creativity. The company’s growing portfolio of high-profile clients and successful events has positioned it as a go-to partner for …
South Africa’s choice of motor vehicle segment and body shape is changing – perhaps permanently – and, as a struggling market adapts to new realities, brand favourites face challenges too. South Africa’s motor retail industry landscape over the past 15 years has been affected by slow economic growth, poor infrastructure, political uncertainty and a series …
Africa Data Centres (www.AfricaDataCentres.com), a business of Cassava Technologies, a pan-African technology group, has announced it is expanding its CPT1 facility in Cape Town.
This expansion shows the data centre giant adding three new state-of-the-art halls in new areas on the campus and adds another 6MW of IT load, effectively doubling its current capacity. The new expansion was implemented with support from the United States through an up to $300 million loan from the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) to Africa Data Centres.
According to Hardy Pemhiwa, President & Group CEO of Cassava, “This expansion by Africa Data Centres is in response to the increasing demand for co-location capacity in South Africa. Not only is Cape Town the second largest economy in South Africa, but it is also the de facto software and technology hub in Southern Africa.”
The company is seeing tremendous growth in the data centre market in South Africa generally, as both national and international cloud and IT service providers seek to expand their footprints in the region.
In terms of size, the expansion adds 1000 racks of white space or the space available for customers to lease, although the physical site is significantly larger than that. It is made up of two more colocation data halls and one hyperscale hall.
The additional halls are built in the cutting-edge modular design pioneered by Africa Data Centres, which enables rapid scalability and a modern design that allows the facility to be populated as and when required to suit the needs of the customer.
Pemhiwa says this would not have been possible without the support of the Ministry of ICT, Western Cape Provincial Government and the Western Cape Department of Economic Development. “I would like to acknowledge their ongoing support, as we expand our data centre facilities in South Africa.”
The new halls feature the same cutting-edge security standards and focus on the elements that matter most to clients, including scalability, flexibility, and energy efficiency, to bring world-class, affordable solutions to all its clients in the area. This data centre is highly flexible and designed to accommodate different and evolving customer demands.
Additionally, this data centre boasts hybrid cooling technology capable of handling both air cooling and liquid cooling. Despite its versatility, no compromises were made on efficiency. It is one of the most efficient and sustainable data centres ever built in South Africa. It is powered by renewable energy, boasts a Water Usage Effectiveness of 0 due to no water consumption for the IT infrastructure, and has an impressive Power Usage Effectiveness rating as well.
The Africa Data Centres' CPT1 facility is at the forefront of pioneering the use of wheeled solar power in the market. This innovation is enabled through a 20-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) signed in March last year with Distributed Power Africa, part of the Cassava Technologies group. Africa Data Centres is the first company to successfully implement this groundbreaking technology in Africa, marking it the continent's first project of its kind.
“The introduction of wheeled solar power at the CPT1 facility offers significant benefits to our' customers, providing a truly sustainable data centre solution. As the demand for data continues to skyrocket across Africa, a continent where power supply is often intermittent, the need for reliable, cost-effective, and green power has never been more critical,” said Finhai Munzara, Interim CEO of Africa Data Centres.
By harnessing renewable energy, he says the CPT1 facility not only ensures consistent power supply but also supports sustainable operations, helping customers achieve their environmental goals. “Our state-of-the-art facility reduces reliance on non-renewable energy sources, setting a new standard for sustainability in the data centre industry.”
Munzara adds that Cape Town is an excellent location for colocation facilities as it is a stone's throw away from all the submarine cable landing stations. In addition, the Cape Town facility houses the Cape Town Internet Exchange (CINX), which makes multi-region peering more accessible, efficient, and easy to manage. This also facilitates direct connections between networks, enabling data to flow more efficiently and reducing latency, giving our users a faster, more responsive online experience.
In ending, Munzara says the expansion increases the capacity of the company's data centres in South Africa and it is an integral part of its investment plans to deliver several additional data facilities across the continent.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Data Centres.
Social Media Platforms:
Twitter: https://apo-opa.co/3Sklmcm
LinkedIn: https://apo-opa.co/3WjNnSt
Facebook: https://apo-opa.co/3WjNpK5
YouTube: https://apo-opa.co/3WjNq0B
About Africa Data Centres:
Africa Data Centres owns and operates Africa's largest network of interconnected, carrier and cloud-neutral data centre facilities. Bringing international experts to the pan-African market, Africa Data Centres is a trusted partner for rapid and secure data centre services and interconnections across Africa. Strategically located in South, East and West Africa our world-class data centre facilities provide a home for all business-critical data for Africa's small, medium and large enterprises and global hyper scale customers. https://www.AfricaDataCentres.com/
