Sustainability

3 July 2024

Water restored after Sundays River Canal rehabilitation

Location: News

Water restored after Sundays River Canal rehabilitation

The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM) says a number of areas have started receiving water from Wednesday morning following the completion of repairs to the Sundays River Canal, with water being subsequently pumped back into the system.

The municipality embarked on a 10-day rehabilitation project for the Sundays River Canal, which commenced on 24 June 2024.

Led by the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS), the project aimed to enhance the reliability and sustainability of the water supply to Nelson Mandela Bay residents.

The Lower Sundays River Canal repairs have led to added pressure on the municipality’s water reticulation system, with more areas identified as high risk.

The Lower Sundays River Canal forms part of the Lower Sunday’s Government Water Scheme (LSGWS).

The LSGWS forms part of the greater Orange-Fish-Sundays Inter Basin Transfer Scheme and it transfers 740 million kilolitres of water annually from the Gariep Dam to the Eastern Cape through the 80km Orange-Fish Tunnel.

The repair of the canal is a result of a May 2017 incident, where a section of the canal embarkment slipped, about 4.4km south of Enon.

The Department of Water and Sanitation then had to construct a temporary embarkment using a plastic membrane to ensure the continuous supply of water to users. However, a secondary embankment failure has occurred, with 200m downstream of the initial embankment and canal failure.

The work on the canal included the demolition of the existing canal at the upstream and downstream tie-in sections.

The municipality said the production at Nooitgedacht Water Treatment Works is averaging 120 megalitres per day, with the Motherwell Reservoir at 27% and Grassridge and Oliphant Kop seeing increases to 23% and 32%, respectively.

“Most low-lying areas are receiving water, with the exception of high-lying areas around NU 8, 9, 10, and 11. Water trucks will remain in the Motherwell area.

“Bloemendal and Bethelsdorp reservoirs are also increasing, with average levels of 9%. This indicates that the system is full and that the affected areas in the Northern regions will also begin to receive water, starting with low-lying areas,” the municipality said in a statement on Wednesday.

Planned water shutdown

Meanwhile, the municipality announced that a water shutdown is planned for Thursday, 4 July 2024, for maintenance on the water pipe network to be carried out.

“Areas that will be affected include South End, and Forest Hill. Water supply will be shut off from 8am to 5pm. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Wed, 07/03/2024 - 10:36

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3 July 2024

Leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Good Health: The New Frontier in Social Innovation to accelerate progress toward Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG 3)

Location: News

BroadReach Group
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In the evolving landscape of global health, digital innovation emerges as a beacon of hope, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in healthcare access, quality, and affordability. A recent white paper by the World Economic Forum, produced in collaboration with the Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship, EY, and Microsoft, sheds light on an exciting paradigm shift: the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in social innovation, especially within healthcare. AI uptake has the potential to improve immunisation programmes, supply chains, referrals, diagnoses, drug safety, and overall health system efficiency.

The report finds three primary impact areas where AI is making significant contributions:

Healthcare, with 25% of innovators using AI to advance access to health;
Environmental sustainability, with 20% of social innovators applying AI to tackle climate solutions; and
Economic empowerment, notably prevalent in lower-income countries where 80% of all initiatives aimed at enhancing livelihoods are based.

Healthcare is by far the most prevalent impact domain that social innovators are addressing with AI. Corresponding to this, 1 in 4 Social innovators are deploying AI to advance Sustainable Development Goal 3, Good Health and Well-being. This is apparent across all geographies as innovators seek to adopt AI to address multiple challenges within the area of healthcare.

Referenced in this report is BroadReach Group, a social impact organisation, that is using AI and machine learning to equip health care workers, leaders and institutions to better manage their scarce resources and drive better health outcomes for all. Vantage Health Technologies, a part of BroadReach Group is harnessing its work across continents in the following ways:

Using AI in Africa to support large HIV and TB programs by identifying gaps in resources and supporting decision making and targeted actions to address those gaps. This has allowed many districts particularly in South Africa, with the largest HIV population in the world to come close to achieving the UN goals of 95-95-95. The 95-95-95 HIV testing, treatment, and viral suppression targets aim to close gaps in HIV treatment coverage and outcomes in all sub-populations, age groups and geographic settings.
Vantage has provided program oversight to Tuberculosis (TB) programs in Africa by providing a single system to manage all key areas. TB outcomes are difficult to manage without daily insight into performance data. Vantage integrated already existing feeds from the national health data system to drive active decision making and launch interventions to address performance, data quality and reporting compliance.
A leading non-governmental organisation in Nigeria that provides prevention, treatment and care services across HIV/AIDS, TB and Malaria uses AI and predictive analytics in Vantage to prevent missed appointments and bring patients back to care. The outputs are used to prioritise outreach to high-risk patients and monitor the effectiveness of interventions to proactively highlight areas needing attention.
In the US, Vantage is addressing Social Determinants of Health, by automating social care coordination for cancer patients. The early results have shown improved patient outcomes, improved equity and financial sustainability, while simultaneously reducing the administrative burden on the workforce.

Dr. Ernest Darkoh, co-founder of BroadReach Group, says, “the fundamental issue in healthcare, whether you are in Sub-Saharan Africa, Western Europe, or the USA, is that demand outstrips supply in terms of health services, doctors, nurses, and medications. The healthcare sector is trying to deliver on an antiquated model of ‘sick care' without real-time intelligence on disease patterns, who is being affected the most, or the adequacy of healthcare resources. We need to change this paradigm to be more effective by leveraging data and digital solutions to ensure we are always spending the next hour and the next dollar in the in the most impactful way possible.”

Global Collaboration to Achieve Health Equity

The report also shows that Africa is emerging, with leaders like South Africa, Nigeria and Kenya. Egypt and Kenya have developed national AI strategies. In other countries like Cameroon, individual social innovators are using AI to address healthcare challenges, such as developing low-cost diagnostic tools for malaria. The continent is also seeing AI applications in economic empowerment and various ML capabilities.

Paul Bhuhi, Managing Director of Vantage shares, ‘'AI is becoming more accepted, with healthcare leaders seeing the promise of AI to drive real improvement in health access, quality, and affordability. Yet, the education gap between innovators and the policy makers inhibits AI adoption, In our experience Rwanda and Kenya are leading that push but more needs to be done.”

An important lesson that BroadReach Group is applying is that learning healthcare lessons in one country can have a profound global impact through collaboration. By sharing best practices, innovations, and research findings, countries can collectively address common health challenges more effectively. Collaborative efforts enable the adaptation of successful strategies to different contexts, promoting universal health improvements and accelerating progress towards global health goals like SDG 3. This exchange of knowledge fosters a more interconnected and resilient global healthcare community, where advancements in one region benefit all.

Dr. John Sargent, co-founder of BroadReach Group, says “an example of impact through collaboration is using our experience and learnings in Africa addressing health inequity and applying them to promote health equity in cancer care in the US. Our teams work across geographies and this collaboration has shown that we can more effectively and rapidly improve patient care because of this experience. Although every geography and market has its differences, many of the same core principles, critical lessons learned, and approaches apply, allowing us to rapidly adapt and implement solutions that have a real impact for populations in need while ensuring that the health system is using its resources in the most impactful way.”

Embracing the Ethical Adoption of AI

The next generation of ethical generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) provides new hope for more equitable healthcare, but advances in technology must never come at the cost of patient rights. AI systems should start with guardrails and ethics within their foundational design.

Chris LeGrand, CEO of BroadReach Group emphasises, “regulatory frameworks for ethical use of AI in healthcare are still early stage but are progressing. The new Digital Trade Protocol recently adopted by African heads of state under the Africa Continental Trade Area (AfCTA) is an example of international bodies defining the desired digital landscape with rules based on common principles, including protecting personal data while promoting trusted, safe, ethical use of emerging technologies. Regulation is slowly evolving to create trust and confidence in the protection of health data.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of BroadReach Group.

BroadReach Group is a group of social impact businesses focused on harnessing innovation and technology to empower human action. Since 2003 BroadReach Group has worked in over 30 countries to support governments, international NGOs, public and private sector to improve health outcomes for their populations.

2 July 2024

SIU collaborates to continue fight against corruption through data analytics

Location: News

SIU collaborates to continue fight against corruption through data analytics

The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has strengthened its hand to fight corruption through data analytics.

This as the unit has joined forces – through memoranda of understanding – with the Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) Anti-Corruption Coalition (ACC), the Transparency, Integrity, and Accountability Programme (TIP) of the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH.

SIU head, Advocate Andy Mothibi, explained how the partnerships pave the way for the unit to sharpen its tools against corruption.

“Through these partnerships, the SIU will embark on statistical research efforts, proactive strengths and risk exposures, sector-based data analysis, awareness and advisory initiatives, capacity building, and integrating data analytics and predictive analysis into the institutions’ risk management systems,” he said.

He added that the unit must take the lead in fighting the scourge of corruption by making it increasingly difficult for criminals to have their way.

“To achieve this, the SIU must direct strategic decision-making processes and drive prevention activities through data analysis. This will provide the SIU with a competitive market advantage and long-term sustainability,” Mothibi said.

The unit stated that the memoranda of understandings signed with the institutions are part of the SIU’s drive to halt corruption through a “whole of society approach”.

“These MoUs are also part of the SIU’s implementation of the National Anti-Corruption Strategy, in particular, the whole-of-society approach, which is an integrated approach to the fight against corruption and calls on all sectors to participate in the fight against corruption and encourages collaboration between government, the private sector and civil society as one of the fundamentals of the strategy.

“Through these collaboration agreements, the SIU seeks to ensure that its anti-corruption tools are advanced and enable the SIU to move towards the prevention of corruption. The SIU plans to publish sector data intelligence and use a prevention, advisory, and awareness capacity to advise stakeholders on systemic measures to proactively identify and prevent maladministration, fraud, and corruption,” the unit concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Tue, 07/02/2024 - 10:55

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2 July 2024

Driving Sustainable Fuel Distribution: bp South Africa Joins African Energy Week (AEW) 2024 as Platinum Sponsor

Location: News

bp South Africa – a subsidiary of global energy major bp – returns to the African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energy conference (www.AECWeek.com/) – taking place November 4-8 in Cape Town – as a platinum sponsor. The company's return signals a commitment to engaging with industry and regional counterparts under a common goal of making energy poverty history.

In recent years, bp South Africa has made fresh investments in infrastructure development, local content empowerment and decarbonization initiatives under a broader agenda to expand fuel distribution and access. As Africa maximizes the development and use of its oil and gas resources to meet industrialization targets, improving partnerships with committed investors such as bp South Africa becomes imperative.

AEW: Invest in African Energy is the platform of choice for project operators, financiers, technology providers and government, and has emerged as the official place to sign deals in African energy. Visit www.AECWeek.com for more information about this exciting event.

bp South Africa has a strong history of providing fuel and related products to South Africa, having invested in importation, refining and distribution for over 100 years.

The company announced a five-year $1 billion investment package to enhance its operations in South Africa, including the modernization of its 50% owned SAPREF refinery in Durban in June 2023. The aim is to enable the 180,000 barrels per day refinery to produce low sulfur diesel, in line with the firm's new low carbon energy specification for environmental sustainability. Additionally, bp South Africa manages the Single Buoy Loading and Offloading Mooring facility, managing up to 85% of South Africa's crude oil imports. bp South Africa is also channeling significant investments into enhancing South Africa's port and storage infrastructure with the firm operating six fuel storage terminals in-country.

Going forward, the company is enhancing fuel distribution to meet the growing demand of petroleum products through the expansion of its retail business in South Africa. The company has over 500 branded service stations across South Africa. bp South Africa is also transforming the country's workforce through investments in local empowerment. In August 2023, the company invested R58 million to stimulate black-owned businesses with a target to have 70% of its service stations operated by black dealers by 2025.

Under the theme, Energy Growth through an Enabling Environment, AEW: Invest in African Energy will feature bp South Africa in high-level panel discussions and exclusive networking sessions, spotlighting the company's investment endeavours, steadfast commitment and strategic vision to propel Africa's energy industry forward.

“To make energy poverty history by 2030, Africa needs new investment in refining and distribution. bp South Africa is making great strides in this area under efforts to accelerate industrialization and fuel access in South Africa,” stated NJ Ayuk, the Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber.

AEW: Invest in African Energy serves as the largest event of its kind in Africa. Uniting African presidents, government, and national companies with global investors, project developers and technology providers, the event drives investment across the entire value chain. This year's edition takes place in Cape Town. Visit www.AECWeek.com for more information.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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1 July 2024

AgriSA welcomes new Agriculture Minister

Location: News

AgriSA welcomes new Agriculture Minister

AgriSA says it is looking forward to a collaborative and productive relationship, working together with the newly appointed Agriculture Minister, John Steenhuisen, to advance the agricultural sector in South Africa.

AgriSA extended its sincere congratulations to Steenhuisen on his appointment as Minister of Agriculture and Mzwanele Nyhontso as Minister of Land Reform and Rural Development in the seventh administration.

“These appointments come at a critical juncture, and we are confident that under these Ministers’ leadership, the agricultural sector will thrive and continue to be a cornerstone of the national economy,” AgriSA CEO Johann Kotzé said in a statement on Monday.

Kotzé said AgriSA is committed to playing its role in supporting the new government of national unity (GNU) by actively engaging with all stakeholders to foster a cohesive and collaborative approach to addressing the sector’s challenges.

In line with this commitment, Kotzé said AgriSA is focused on addressing three critical areas that are vital to the well-being and prosperity of the nation.

“Firstly, AgriSA recognises the importance of ensuring food security for all South Africans. By improving agricultural productivity, sustainability and profitability, we can contribute to social stability across the nation. AgriSA will work diligently to support policies and initiatives to enhance food security and promote access to safe, affordable, and nutritious food for all.

“Secondly, agriculture is a key contributor to the South African economy. We are dedicated to work with government to enhance the competitiveness of South African agriculture on a global scale, increasing exports, and opening new markets. This, in turn, could lead to the development of rural communities and contribute significantly to the reduction of poverty and unemployment in our country,” Kotzé said.

On the third critical area, Kotzé said sustainable agriculture is essential for the preservation of the country’s environment.

He said AgriSA is committed to promoting policies and practices that protect and enhance natural resources, ensuring their availability for future generations.

“By being responsible stewards of our natural resources, we can ensure that the agricultural sector remains viable and productive in the long term,” Kotzé said.

The CEO also expressed the organisation’s gratitude to the outgoing Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development Minister, Thoko Didiza, for her continued support and understanding of the agricultural sector.

“Her efforts in maintaining strong relationships with organised agriculture have been invaluable. Under her guidance, we have seen significant advancements and a strengthened collaboration between the government and the agricultural community.

“We wish her all the best in her position as Speaker [of the National Assembly] and thank her for her dedicated service and the positive impact she has made,” Kotzé said.

AgriCulture South Africa, facilitated by AgriSA, protects, and promotes the interest of the farming community in South Africa.

AgriSA explores agricultural policy, climate, water management, land reform, food security, labour issues, rural safety, economics, amongst others. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Mon, 07/01/2024 - 13:27

245 views

1 July 2024

From Sustainability to Personalisation – Mid-year Retail Trends 2024

Location: News

Reaching any midpoint, whether it's to catch one's breath on a ultra-marathon to gear up for the next stretch, or a project team reflecting on their progress and making necessary modifications – it's all about positioning for success. So too a mid-year retail check-in offers valuable insights into some of the latest developments shaping how retailers connect with consumers and drive innovation in the second half of this year.

Overview | Global & Local

The rise and rise of ecommerce, the integration of online and offline, platforming sustainability, contactless and convenient quick and easy payment options, price-sensitive pricing strategies and building customer loyalty – dominated the past six months.

So too, and no surprises here, but the broader classification of the consumer is changing yet again. If 2023 was the year of the resilient consumer, it seems that 2024 is seeing the year of the empowered consumer. Mastercard Data & Services [May 2024] reported that despite rising interest rates, inflation and the threat of a recession, consumers still confidently spent in 2023. This year however, consumers are carefully prioritising resources – with many people worldwide now looking for more deals and discounts to carefully balance their household budgets. Technology is also playing a bigger role in bringing innovation and efficiency to retailers and consumers, reflecting a more concerted shift towards a customer-centric and digitally driven retail landscape.

“Don't blink was my pennies worth at our trends check in November 2023,” said Mike Smollan, Chief Growth Officer, Smollan. “We've seen the rapid changes this year, from powerful tactical retail that has global brands amping up the flavour and integration experience for consumers. To local shifts in South Africa for example, with 61% of Gen Zs finding their feet and telling us via a recent Trade Intelligence report, that social media influencers are their best source of information when it comes to shopping. It's about meeting consumers wherever, whenever, and however they prefer to shop, and being cognisant of and embracing the shift to empowered consumerism.”

Global retail examples always provide a relevant yardstick to illustrate these shifting dynamics on a larger scale. Take Walmart for example who despite relatively little store growth, has maintained its number one ranking with a robust online marketplace and a range of new financial resources for shoppers. Costco expanded its warehouse format this year to a range of countries while Ikea is reinventing, by opening smaller-format stores around the world.

So too, the ecommerce world continues to baffle the brain – with relative newbie Temu topping US$5 billion in sales in 2023, just one year after they launched. With Statista reporting that their app has been downloaded over 52 million times as of May this year.

A wild ride and evolving storyline as we watch the disruption of this sector.

Closer to home, Shoprite South Africa (SA) have adapted in 2024 to serve customers who want more promotions, combo deals and collective buying. They also noted that their customers are switching to private labels. Furthermore, they have expanded their premium stores and on-demand delivery services, as well as venturing into mobile services and financial offerings. On the ecommerce front Tech Safari, reporting on Amazon's entry into SA in May this year, have suggested a possible pricing war benefitting consumers with faster deliveries, more products and better support. This space in the spotlight from now until year end and beyond, with competition on the up as Takealot, in response to Amazon's entry, launched a free delivery service with a monthly subscription.

At A Glance | Four Trends

Accelerated ways to enable retailers to anticipate, experiment, adapt and satisfy consumers, even before they are aware of them, will be the golden thread. With Forbes identifying four evolving trends for the second half of the year:

Sustainability

Customers want organisations to step up and show proof of their eco stance however they have “green fatigue” and are quickly on the scent of businesses that are simply ‘greenwashing'.

This is constantly evolving and retailers need to use AI to improve efficiencies and processes, and balance this with a human touch.

Personalised Communication

Consumers want messages tailored to them and their purchasing behaviour and not to be bombarded with general marketing messages. Shifting tactics from purely transactional to empathetic.

Social Commerce

CRM Essentials showed that 37% of consumers trust influencers more than brands. This year social commerce and creator economies present a perfect symbiotic relationship as brands are now more focused on telling stories on social platforms that conclude with a commerce moment.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Smollan.

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1 July 2024

Kusile Power Station’s Unit 5 reaches commercial operation

Location: News

Kusile Power Station’s Unit 5 reaches commercial operation

Eskom’s Kusile Unit 5 has achieved commercial operation, adding some 800MW to the grid.

This comes as the power utility has maintained at least 90 days of uninterrupted electricity supply.

Eskom Group Chief Executive Dan Marokane said the move is part of the power utility’s focus on its recovery plan.

“We stated in our winter outlook…that we would add new generation capacity to the grid with Kusile Power Station Unit 5, as part of our intense focus on delivering the Generation Operational Recovery Plan. This addition is part of a total of 2500MW that will be added before the end of this calendar year.

“Eskom will continue to focus on implementing operational recovery, strengthening governance and future proofing the organisation to enable energy security, growth and long-term sustainability to the benefit of South Africa and sub-Saharan Africa,” Marokane said.

Kusile Power Station is located in Mpumalanga.

The power utility’s Group Executive for Generation Bheki Nxumalo added that the addition of the much-needed megawatts is a result of the collective efforts of all Eskom employees.

“The delivery of the unit, as part of our Generation Operational Recovery Plan, showcases the remarkable achievements possible when our 40 000 employees work together as a collective.

“I extend my gratitude to all Eskom employees and contractors for their diligent work in bringing this unit to commercial operation. This achievement aligns with our commitment to maximising grid capacity,” Nxumalo said.

According to Eskom, the unit was first synchronised to the grid in December 2023 but will now “begin contributing power, increasing Kusile Power Station’s total output to 4000MW”.

“Since its synchronisation…the unit has met performance expectations, supported the grid and helped to reduce load shedding. Upon completion, Kusile Power Station will consist of six units, producing a maximum of 4800MW.

“Additionally, Kusile is equipped with wet flue gas desulphurisation (WFGD) technology, making it the first power station in South Africa and Africa to use this emissions abatement technology. WFGD removes sulphur dioxide from flue gas before it is released into the atmosphere, ensuring compliance with international air quality standards.

“Construction of the remaining Kusile Unit 6 is progressing as planned, with it expected to be synchronised to the grid in November 2024,” the power utility said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Mon, 07/01/2024 - 10:43

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27 June 2024

The Critical Importance of Protecting Our Natural Environment for Future Generations

Location: MyPR

Johannesburg, 27 June 2024: The natural environment is the foundation upon which our societies are built, providing us with essential resources such as clean air, water, and food. It is a source of beauty and inspiration, and it plays a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance necessary for all life forms to thrive. However, …

26 June 2024

Celebrating Significant South African Electrical Engineers

Location: MyPR

It is said that if you don’t know where you come from you will struggle to find out where you are going. Today the Electrical Contracting/Engineering industry stands on the shoulders of giants in the industry. Straton Electrical acknowledges these famous men and women that contributed to our industry to make it what it is …

26 June 2024

Pro-ageing vs anti-ageing: Embracing your power one laugh-line at a time Anew by Avon Leads the Skincare Revolution in South Africa

Location: MyPR

In every woman’s journey, there is a narrative etched in the lines of her laughter, the lessons of her experiences, and the resilience that carries her through life’s trials. These stories are the essence of who they are, deserving recognition and skincare that cares, uplifts, and empowers.Amidst a world saturated with trends and unrealistic standards …

26 June 2024

The Future Of Food Sustainability Is Key, Says Acclaimed Sa Chef Greg Czarnecki

Location: MyPR

Cape Town, South Africa, 3 June: “The future of food has to be all about sustainability,” says chef Greg Czarnecki, the acclaimed head chef of Cape Town’s Cape Grace Hotel. Chef Czarnecki was speaking at “The Future of Food, powered by Nespresso” – a two-night gastronomic event hosted by Nespresso South Africa in Cape Town …

26 June 2024

Thoughtful Winter Corporate Gift Sets to Warm Hearts and Hands

Location: MyPR

Winter is a season that often brings a unique blend of challenges and opportunities for businesses. As the temperature drops, the need for practical and cosy corporate gifts rises. Selecting the right winter gift sets for your employees, clients, or partners can significantly enhance your business relationships, showing appreciation while also keeping them warm and …

25 June 2024

KD Strategies Announced Best Boutique Consulting Firm: Johannesburg 2024

Location: MyPR

Johannesburg, South Africa – [25 June 2024] – KD Strategies, a local sustainability-focused consulting firm, has been named the Best Boutique Consulting Firm – Johannesburg 2024 by Acquisition International in their prestigious Business Excellence Awards. This award recognizes KD Strategies’ exceptional commitment to delivering sustainability solutions to its clients across various industries. Specializing in business …

25 June 2024

Don’t miss the SPCA stall at this month’s Serenity Hills’ Sweetdale Night Market

Location: MyPR

Committed to inclusivity and community support, Serenity Hills welcomes the Lower South Coast SPCA to its monthly Sweetdale Night Market on Friday, 28 June from 6pm to 10pm. In addition to the many great food and craft stalls to browse, visitors to the pet-friendly Sweetdale Night Market in Margate will get to support the great …

25 June 2024

Radisson Hotel Group bolsters African presence with 7 additional hotels and over 1,200 new rooms including a landmark entry in Tanzania

Location: Business

Radisson Hotel Group (www.RadissonHotels.com) is delighted to announce the addition of seven new hotels, adding over 1,200 hotel rooms to its African portfolio and its debut in Tanzania within the first half of 2024. With those additions, the Group's footprint in Africa has grown to nearly 100 hotels in operation and development, placing the Group well on track to reach its goal of 150 hotels within the next five years.

Tanzania has been identified as a key market in the Group's proactive expansion strategy, making its debut in the country with two hotel signings. This addition enhances the Group's diverse African portfolio, spanning across 30 countries, further establishing it as the hotel company with the largest market presence in Africa.

In Nigeria, Radisson Hotel Group continues to hold a leading position with a portfolio of 13 hotels in operation and under development, including five new hotels signed in 2023. The new signing of the Radisson RED Hotel Abuja has further bolstered the Group's presence in the city, bringing the total number of hotels under development in Abuja to four.

In Morocco, the Group has pursued the same efforts with a clear transformation plan, growing its presence from 1 hotel in 2020 to over 9 hotels in operation and 4 hotels in development today. Casablanca represents a strategic hub among multiple continents and the new signing of Radisson Blu Hotel & Apartments Casablanca Finance City and Radisson RED Hotel Casablanca Finance City solidifies the Group's ambitions to reach over 25 hotels by 2030 across the country.

Ramsay Rankoussi, Vice President, Development, Africa and Turkey at Radisson Hotel Group, said, “The seven new hotels align with our expansion strategy, demonstrating significant growth in key African markets such as Morocco, Nigeria, Tunisia and Ethiopia as well as our highly anticipated debut in Tanzania. These hotels also highlight our conversion strategy and our commitment to diversifying our portfolio by introducing new brands and cementing our presence in these important markets.”

The six hotel signings include:

Radisson Blu Hotel & Apartments, Dar es Salaam (Tanzania)

Marking Radisson Hotel Group's debut in Tanzania, this 138-room hotel, featuring 94 guestrooms and 44 three-bedroom apartments, is set to open in 2025 as part of a mixed-use development in Dar es Salaam's CBD. The hotel will occupy the top 14 floors of a 33-floor tower, one of the tallest buildings in the area, and is within walking distance of the ferry terminal to Zanzibar Island.

The hotel will offer a diverse array of dining facilities, including a lobby café, business class lounge, all-day dining restaurant, specialty restaurant, outdoor pool, and pool restaurant. Additional amenities include retail stores, a ladies' salon, indoor parking, a gym, steam room and sauna, kids' playroom, and eight meeting rooms.

Radisson Hotel Mwanza (Tanzania)

Supporting a strong market entry, this 196-room hotel, currently under construction, will debut the Radisson brand in Tanzania in 2025. Mwanza, Tanzania's second-largest city, is renowned for corporate meetings and events and is the ideal starting point for tours to the Serengeti National Park. As the only branded hotel in Mwanza, it will feature a lobby café and bar, all-day dining restaurant, sports bar, outdoor pool bar, executive lounge, and two specialty restaurants, Balaustine, a 'casual-fine dining' experience inspired by the Barbary coast and the Levant and Filini, offering a delectable dining experience of fresh, simple, and delicious Italian-style cuisine.

The meetings and events space includes a triple-height ballroom, business center, boardrooms, and a conference room. The extensive wellness facilities will include a gym, spa, outdoor pool, and kids' playground.

Radisson Blu Hotel & Apartments, Casablanca Finance City and Radisson RED Casablanca Finance City (Morocco)

Enhancing the Group's Moroccan portfolio, which currently includes 11 hotels in operation and under development, is the addition of new two dual-branded hotels and a serviced apartment. These new builds, including the first Radisson RED hotel in North Africa will feature a total of 381 rooms, are set to open in late 2027. They will be located in Casa Anfa, at the heart of Casablanca Finance City, the city's new financial hub, recognized as Africa's leading financial center, on par with London and La Défense in Paris.

Providing guests with an array of dining and wellness facilities for an ideal stay, the Radisson Blu will offer guests an all-day dining restaurant, a specialty rooftop restaurant, and a rooftop bar. Meanwhile, the Radisson RED hotel, will feature a restaurant and a pool bar. The Radisson Blu's wellness facilities will include a spa, a fitness center, and an outdoor rooftop swimming pool. The Radisson RED will also provide a fitness center, an outdoor pool, and an outdoor rooftop swimming pool.

For meetings and events, in addition to the five meeting rooms at the Radisson Blu, there will be a 1,100-square-meter conference center comprising an auditorium, large ballroom and three meeting rooms, making the complex the future meeting destination.

Radisson Blu Hotel & Conference Center, Tunis (Tunisia)

This 305-room hotel, a conversion of an existing property, will soon debut the Radisson Blu brand in Tunis, complementing the Group's footprint in Tunisia as its seventh hotel in the country and fourth in Tunis. Located just 10 minutes from the airport, the hotel will feature dining outlets such as a lobby bar, shisha bar, all-day dining restaurant, and three specialty restaurants.

The expansive convention center will include multiple meeting rooms, boardrooms, a VIP room, an executive lounge, a business center, and a 1,400 sqm ballroom, making it the largest conference center in the city.

Radisson RED Abuja (Nigeria)

The new-build 105-room hotel, set to open in 2028, will be Radisson Hotel Group's 13th property in Nigeria and the second Radisson RED in the country, introducing the upper upscale brand to Abuja. Located in Wuse, Abuja's main commercial and social district, the hotel will be surrounded by corporate offices, popular estates, shopping malls, and nightlife venues. The hotel will feature a bar and terrace, an all-day dining restaurant, and a pool bar and grill. It will also offer 238 square meters of meeting space, including three meeting rooms and a pre-function area, as well as a fitness facility.

Park Inn by Radisson Addis Ababa (Ethiopia)

Scheduled to open in 2025, this 120-room hotel will be the Group's third hotel in Ethiopia, all located in Addis Ababa and introduce the Park Inn by Radisson brand to the country. Dining options will include a breakfast hall, restaurant hall, coffee shop, and four soft drink bars. The meeting and events space will consist of a large and medium conference room and four meeting rooms. Guests can also enjoy two gyms, a spa, business center, sport facilities, kids' entertainment area, retail space, and co-working space.

Since 2022, the Group has opened 14 hotels, including the debut of the Radisson brand in Morocco and Tunis with Radisson Hotel Casablanca Gauthier La Citadelle and Radisson Hotel Tunis City Center, solidifying its position as the largest hotel operator in Tunisia. The openings have diversified the Group's portfolio with the first safari hotel in Africa, Radisson Safari Hotel Hoedspruit, the first resort in Livingstone, Radisson Blu Resort Mosi-oa-Tunya, and the debut in Reunion Island with Radisson Hotel Saint Denis. This achievement has set a record for the Group in terms of realizing its pipeline into openings, translating into a commendable 15 percent annual net operating growth in its African portfolio.

“With a strong first half of the year, we plan to continue the momentum in the second half by focusing on expanding our presence in key markets such as Morocco and South Africa, where we've recently announced our ambition to reach 25 hotels by 2030, doubling the portfolio in both countries. We thank each of our partners for their valued trust in us and our brands,” concluded Rankoussi.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Radisson Hotel Group.

Media Contacts:
Saadiyah Hendricks,
Area Director PR & Social Media,
MEA & MED
saadiyah.hendricks@radissonhotels.com

Business Development Contacts:
Ramsay Rankoussi,
Vice President,
Development,
Africa & Turkey
ramsay.rankoussi@radissonhotels.com

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RADISSON BLU
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RADISSON RED
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RADISSON HOTEL GROUP
Radisson Hotel Group is an international hotel group, operating in EMEA and APAC with over 1,360 hotels in operation and under development in +95 countries. The international hotel group is rapidly expanding with a plan to significantly grow the portfolio. The Group's overarching brand promise is Every Moment Matters with a signature Yes I Can! service ethos.

The Radisson family of brands portfolio includes Radisson Collection, art'otel, Radisson Blu, Radisson, Radisson RED, Radisson Individuals, Park Plaza, Park Inn by Radisson, Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, and prizeotel brought together under one commercial umbrella brand Radisson Hotels.

Radisson Rewards (http://apo-opa.co/4ceYa7h) is Radisson Hotel Group's loyalty program, which delivers an elevated experience that makes Every Moment Matter. As the most streamlined program in the sector, members enjoy exceptional advantages and can access their benefits from day one across a wide range of hotels in Europe, Middle East, Africa, and Asia Pacific.

Radisson Meetings (http://apo-opa.co/4eBPDwK) provides tailored solutions for any event or meeting, including hybrid solutions placing guests and their needs at the heart of its offer. Radisson Meetings is built around three strong service commitments: Personal, Professional and Memorable, while delivering on the brilliant basics and being uniquely 100% Carbon Neutral.

At Radisson Hotel Group we care for people, communities and planet (http://apo-opa.co/3RGR2s1) and aim to be Net Zero by 2050 based on the approved near-term Science Based Targets. With unique solutions such as 100% carbon neutral Radisson Meetings, we make sustainable hotel stays easy. To facilitate sustainable travel choices, all our hotels are becoming verified on Hotel Sustainability Basics.

The health and safety of guests and team members remain a top priority for Radisson Hotel Group. All properties across the Group's portfolio are subject to health and safety requirements, ensuring we always care for our guests and team members.

For more information, visit our corporate website (www.RadissonHotels.com).

ABOUT RADISSON BLU
Radisson Blu is an upper upscale hotel brand that delivers meaningful and memorable experiences in stylish spaces. Characterized by attention to detail and the Yes I Can! service philosophy, Radisson Blu hotels are designed to make an unforgettable difference by anticipating travelers' needs through carefully curated touchpoints . Radisson Blu hotels can be found in major cities, key airport gateways, and leisure destinations. Guests and professional business partners can enhance their experience with Radisson Blu by participating in Radisson Rewards, an international loyalty program offering exceptional benefits and rewards.

Radisson Blu is part of the Radisson family of brands, which also includes Radisson Collection, art'otel Radisson, Radisson RED, Radisson Individuals, Park Plaza, Park Inn by Radisson, Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, and prizeotel brought together under one commercial umbrella brand Radisson Hotels.

For reservations and more information, visit our website: http://apo-opa.co/3RDLte0.

ABOUT RADISSON
Radisson is an upscale hotel brand that offers Scandinavian inspired hospitality, which enables guests to find more harmony in their travel experience. With natural surroundings and unexpected delights, Radisson inspires the art of being in the moment, helping guests find the right balance for their stay and enabling them to switch off and relax. Radisson hotels can be found in leisure destinations, suburban and city settings, and near airports. Guests and professional business partners can enhance their experience with Radisson by participating in Radisson Rewards, an international loyalty program offering exceptional benefits and rewards.

Radisson is part of the Radisson family of brands, which also includes Radisson Collection, art'otel, Radisson Blu, Radisson RED, Radisson Individuals, Park Plaza, Park Inn by Radisson, Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, and prizeotel brought together under one commercial umbrella brand Radisson Hotels.

For reservations and more information, visit our website: http://apo-opa.co/3RGuDuY.

ABOUT RADISSON RED
Radisson RED is an upper upscale hotel brand that presents a playful twist on the conventional. The brand injects new life into hospitality through informal services where anything goes, a vibrant social scene that's waiting to be shared and stylish public spaces with standout design to inspire our guests. Radisson RED hotels are designed to fit the needs of our guests by giving them endless opportunities to tune in and out, switching effortlessly between business and pleasure. Guests and professional business partners can enhance their experience with Radisson RED by participating in Radisson Rewards, an international loyalty program offering exceptional benefits and rewards.

Radisson RED is a part of the Radisson family of brands, which also includes Radisson Collection, art'otel, Radisson Blu, Radisson, Radisson Individuals, Park Plaza, Park Inn by Radisson, Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, and prizeotel brought together under one commercial umbrella brand Radisson Hotels.

For reservations and more information, visit our website: http://apo-opa.co/3RGNjuM.

ABOUT PARK INN BY RADISSON
Park Inn by Radisson is a (upper) midscale hotel brand that delivers stress-free experiences, good food and upbeat environments. Mastering the essentials, Park Inn by Radisson positively lifts our guests' mood for a happy stay – through clever use of color; inspired, contemporary design; and friendly personalized service with surprising, feel-good extras. Park Inn by Radisson hotels can be found in capital cities, around economic hubs, and near airports and railway stations. Guests and professional business partners can enhance their experience with Park Inn by Radisson by participating in Radisson Rewards, an international loyalty program offering exceptional benefits and rewards.

Park Inn by Radisson is a part of the Radisson family of brands, which also includes Radisson Collection, art'otel, Radisson Blu, Radisson, Radisson RED, Radisson Individuals, Park Plaza, Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, and prizeotel brought together under one commercial umbrella brand Radisson Hotels.

For reservations and more information visit our website: http://apo-opa.co/3RI0v2B.

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24 June 2024

MPA Day makes it to the Top 10 of the OceanLove Innovation Award 2024

Location: MyPR

The winners of the inaugural OceanLove Innovation Award 2024 were unveiled on 19 June 2024 in a spectacular ceremony at the Oceanovation Festival, The Hague, with South Africa’s Marine Protected Areas (MPA) Day making it into the Top 10. The submitted ideas were assessed based on several criteria including originality, impact, reach and feasibility. Out …

24 June 2024

Capacitating veterinarians in African swine fever prevention and control in resource-limited settings

Location: News

FAO Regional Office for Africa
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The Southern Africa region is endowed with large numbers of pigs, with Angola, Malawi and Mozambique each recording over two million heads. This pig population in the region is growing at over 6 percent per year, the highest growth rate compared to other species of livestock. Unfortunately, the presence of African swine fever (ASF), the most feared pig disease, constitutes a major challenge to production and market access for the smallholder producers in resource-limited settings.

Traditional prevention and control approaches would employ humane culling and disposal of affected and in-contact pigs, with resource limitations often making it challenging for governments to provide adequate compensation. This situation often results in pig owners fearing not only the disease but also the measures applied in controlling it, such that they do not report disease outbreaks.

FAO has given particular consideration to the challenges of controlling ASF in resource limited settings, such as some of the small-scale farming systems found in the Southern Africa region. In 2023, FAO published new guidelines entitled: “African swine fever prevention, detection and control in resource-limited settings”, written by a global pool of experts.

These guidelines articulate the vulnerability of smallholder pig keepers and producers in rural settings, characterized by poverty and inability to meet the cost of compliance with national policies and legislation.

A unique new online course has been developed, based closely on the FAO guidelines. The course focuses on a collaborative and discussion-based approach to learning, in which participants co-create solutions in a series of live online workshops, backed by self-paced online learning modules. It emphasizes early warning, biosecurity, and the key features of the ASF virus that can be exploited in developing appropriate prevention and control programmes. The course was delivered from 10 May to 21 June 2024, with 81 participants from Botswana, Eswatini, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe completing the course and obtaining certificates.

“Resource-limited settings have unique barriers to the prevention and control of ASF. Methods for prevention, detection, and control recommended for higher resource settings may be inappropriate or impossible to implement. It is crucial to consider the context when designing control measures. The training course builds on experiences from Africa and elsewhere to provide participants with information and methods that could improve prevention and control of ASF in resource-limited settings,” said Andriy Rozstalnyy, FAO Animal Health Officer based in Rome, coordinating global efforts in the prevention and control of African swine fever.

The online course also included discussions on how to limit culling of infected and in-contact animals to control outbreaks, disposal of carcasses during outbreaks, and aligning national ASF control policies and legislation. Key to all this is the engagement of local communities for buy-in and sustainability.

“Community members have valuable knowledge, hence participatory problem analysis, design of solutions and decision-making, can boost commitment. We have to learn and understand community priorities and realities to identify together the roles and responsibilities of all players, when designing prevention and control measures at community level,” said Extraordinary Professor Mary-Louise Penrith, lead trainer and international expert on ASF.

Awareness raising at national and community levels is necessary to bring on board everyone in the smallholder pig value chain for adoption. Given that traditional approaches have been around in many countries for a long time and are now anchored in policies and legislation, lobbying for the new approaches is a necessity, including the alignment of legislation.

“Under conditions of limited resources, animal disease management approaches that do not place huge financial inputs upfront, but take into consideration the willing participation of communities, offer better chances of success. The approaches employed in this training course, which are backed by science, will alleviate the socio-economic catastrophe that is associated with the disease in this vulnerable group, while also reducing the national disease control burden,” said Patrice Talla, FAO Subregional Coordinator for Southern Africa.

Through the Virtual Learning Centres, FAO is committed to support implementation of blended approaches of online and in-person training as they play a pivotal role in capacity development for animal health delivery in the region and globally. The VLCs offer a wide range of courses that aim to build skills related to One Health. Courses are available in a range of formats, including online tutored courses, blended learning, technical webinars and mobile learning.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of FAO Regional Office for Africa.

23 June 2024

The Comprehensive Guide to Sourcing from Catering Wholesale Suppliers

Location: MyPR

The bustling city of Johannesburg is a hub for a variety of industries, and the food sector is no exception. Whether you’re running a restaurant, a catering business, or a bakery, finding reliable suppliers is crucial to ensuring the success of your enterprise. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the key aspects of sourcing …

23 June 2024

Experience the Cozy Charm of Eco-Friendly Coffee Culture for a Sustainable Winter

Location: MyPR

As the winter chill sets in, there’s nothing quite like wrapping your hands around a steaming cup of coffee. Whether it’s the warmth seeping into your fingers or the rich aroma enveloping you, coffee is a winter staple for many. However, with the growing concern for environmental sustainability, our beloved takeaway coffee habit faces scrutiny. …

21 June 2024

African Energy Week (AEW) 2024 to Drive Investment in African Energy, Announces Second Speaker Lineup

Location: News

With over 125 billion barrels of proven oil reserves, 620 trillion cubic feet of natural gas and abundant opportunities in solar, wind and green hydrogen, Africa has the potential to become a global hub for energy. The International Energy Agency estimates that to meet energy and climate goals, Africa requires over $200 billion in annual investment, highlighting a strategic opportunity for global financiers and project developers.

As such, the African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energy conference – Africa's premier event for the energy sector – will drive a new wave of investment in the sector. The conference convenes under the mandate of making energy poverty history by 2030, with industry experts and thought-leaders, African governments and NOCs, and energy investors and developers leading discussions on the challenges and opportunities in Africa's energy sector. Taking place from 4–8 November in Cape Town, the event offers unparalleled access to the African industry.

AEW: Invest in African Energy is the platform of choice for project operators, financiers, technology providers and government, and has emerged as the official place to sign deals in African energy. Visit www.AECWeek.com for more information about this exciting event.

African governments are revamping fiscal policies and launching new licensing rounds to attract investments and partners, aiming to unlock the full potential of the continent's energy sector. Over 11 licensing rounds are planned for sub-Saharan Africa between 2024 and 2025, all of which aim to attract new investment and bolster project development. At AEW: Invest in African Energy, government representatives will outline optimal energy financing mechanisms and incentives aimed at advancing energy investments. Key speakers include:

Birame Soulèye Diop, Minister of Energy, Petroleum and Mines, Senegal
Habtamu Itefa Geleta, Minister of Water and Energy, Ethiopia
Situmbeko Musokotwane, Minister of Finance and National Planning, Zambia
Diamantino Pedro Azevedo, Minister of Mineral Resources, Petroleum and Gas, Angola

African state-owned energy entities have positioned themselves as reliable partners for global energy firms, driving the continent's energy market expansion. During this year's AEW: Invest in African Energy conference, African NOCs and energy associations will discuss investment and partnership opportunities in Africa's energy value chain. In addition to the first AEW: Invest in African Energy speaker lineup, featured speakers include:

Proscovia Nabbanje, CEO of the Uganda National Oil Company
Zwanani Titus Mathe, CEO, South African National Energy Development Institute

Across Africa, international energy companies are driving a series of large-scale project developments under efforts to unlock high returns, increase energy access while driving sustainable economic growth. Projects such as the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim LNG development – on track for first production this year -; the trio of LNG projects in Mozambique's Rovuma Basin; South Africa's offshore exploration campaigns and onshore gas projects and many more are set to transform the African oil and gas landscape. This creates newfound opportunities for regional and international technology providers, which also play a crucial role in driving Africa's energy renaissance. A strong lineup of IOCs, technologies companies and service providers will discuss ongoing projects, future prospects and efforts to maximize Africa's energy resources at the conference. These include:

Ainojie Alex Irune, CEO of Oando Energy Resources
Dave Campbell, Senior Vice President of bp in Mauritania and Senegal
Dennis Bauer, Senior Executive: Energy Transition Advisor, Neuman & Esser
Dennis Malkoc, Business Development Manager, Universal Africa Lines
Dmitry Khandoga, Head of International Department, Gazprom PJSC
Marica Calabrese, Managing Director and General Manager, Eni Mozambique
Matthieu Milandri, Head of Upstream Finance at Trafigura Group
Mikhail Chudakov, Head of the Department of Nuclear Energy, International Atomic Energy Agency
Nikki Martin, President & CEO,EnerGeo Alliance
Nosa Omorodion, Executive Director, SLB
Rene Awambeng, Director and Global Head of Client Relations, Afreximbank
Taelo Mojapelo, CEO, bp South Africa

During the AEW: Invest in African Energy conference, speakers will showcase projects, highlight energy financing mechanisms and government incentives, and provide insights on best practices for a just and inclusive energy transition, addressing the continent's goals for eradicating energy poverty and promoting environmental sustainability.

Keep following for more exciting announcements about the AEW: Invest in African Energy 2024 speaker lineups! For more information, visit www.AECWeek.com.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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21 June 2024

The ultimate celebration of design excellence, 100% Design Africa will set Joburg’s design scene ablaze

Location: MyPR

Where brands are launched, trends are set and the future of design is shaped: 100% Design Africa is the peak of innovation and inspiration, igniting passion and pushing boundaries in the world of design. This beacon of contemporary design, well known as a launch pad for exciting new products and rising local brands, as well …

21 June 2024

City of Johannesburg, City Power ordered to pay Eskom debt

Location: News

City of Johannesburg, City Power ordered to pay Eskom debt

Eskom has obtained a court judgement against the City of Johannesburg (CoJ) and City Power for the payment of their R1.073 billion debt.

According to Eskom, the city and its local power utility have been defaulting on their account since October last year.

“When the matter was heard on 4 June 2024, the total amount owed to Eskom by CoJ/City Power was R3.4 billion.

“The city in response to Eskom’s application, brought a counterclaim against Eskom for R3.4 billion alleging potential over-billing and that as a result it has applied an automatic set-off against Eskom electricity account.

“Furthermore, the court dismissed the counterclaim by the city with costs, consequently dismissing the automatic set-off claim.

“Eskom has written a letter to COJ/City Power demanding payment of the full amount of R3.4 billion by 21 June 2024 and we hope they will respect the court decision and settle all outstanding debts to Eskom,” the national power utility said.

Last month, Eskom said it had been left with “no choice” but to approach the courts to have the debt paid.

“The debt owed by City Power has reached unprecedented levels, exacerbating Eskom’s already strained financial situation.

“This dire situation not only undermines Eskom’s financial sustainability but also threatens its ability to maintain essential infrastructure, invest in new technologies and meet the growing energy demands of the province,” Eskom said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Fri, 06/21/2024 - 09:36

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19 June 2024

Hundreds of thousands raised for KZN charities at the Oceans 8 Charity Swim

Location: MyPR

The conditions were near-perfect as some 172 swimmers competed in the 1 Mile, 4 Mile, and 8 Mile events at the Oceans 8 Charity Swim which took place at Durban Undersea Club on 15 and 16 June. This annual fundraiser saw more than R800k raised for 14 local charities – with donations still coming in. …

19 June 2024

SA is living on borrowed ecological resources

Location: MyPR

20 June marks South Africa’s Earth Overshoot Day – the day when our consumption of ecological resources exceeds the planet’s capacity to regenerate them for that year. Jako Volschenk, Associate Professor in Strategy and Sustainability at Stellenbosch Business School emphasises the critical imbalance between our demand and nature’s capacity. “Earth Overshoot Day is a wake-up …