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The Impilo Collection Foundation recognises the transformative power of education in breaking the cycle of poverty and violence. In line with this vision, funds were raised by our founder, Angela Yeung, during her recent mountain climb up the daunting Manaslu, standing tall at 8,163 meters, which surpasses her previous triumph on the Island Peak at …
National Environment Month is celebrated in June, with the South African government and captains of industry-leading the way by stimulating awareness on environmental issues and challenging all to become agents for change. The environment encompasses the surroundings where individuals, animals, or plants live and operate, and it is significantly influenced by human activities. World Environment …
A prestigious worldwide competition invites young chefs to put their names on the global gastronomy map. Entries for the current edition of S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy Regional Competition close on 19th June 2024. SOUTH AFRICA, 27 MAY 2024 – As the entry deadline for the S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy 2024-25 competition applications approaches, young chefs …
Global leader in integrated hotel management and operations solutions, Valor Hospitality, has cemented its expansion in East Africa with the announcement of the signings of two new developments: the TUI Blue Watamu Hotel in Kenya and Zanzibar’s first Canopy by Hilton. “The addition of these new properties in East Africa signifies a robust part of …
By Pieter Nienaber (Compliance Africa at Crown Records Management South Africa) As the Compliance Officer of Crown Records Management, which has a global footprint, Pieter Nienaber takes a look at the transformative power of efficient and secure mail management. He delves into the critical importance of optimising mail handling processes, exploring innovative solutions such as …
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Introduction In the realm of automotive maintenance and restoration, the allure of second-hand car parts, particularly engines and gearboxes, cannot be overstated. Opting for used components not only provides a cost-effective solution for car repairs but also contributes to environmental sustainability by recycling parts that might otherwise end up in landfills. This article delves into …
Introduction In the world of corporate promotions, apparel plays a pivotal role in enhancing brand visibility and fostering a sense of unity among employees. Among the myriad options available, padded puffer insulated jackets stand out as a particularly effective choice. These jackets not only offer practical benefits like warmth and comfort but also serve …
Introduction Promotional products serve as vital tools in corporate branding, offering both visibility and utility. Among these, fleece blankets stand out due to their versatility and practical appeal. In this blog, we will explore the various advantages of using fleece blankets as promotional items, focusing on their material benefits, customisation possibilities, and strategic uses …
At RS Imports, finding high-quality electronics at unbeatable prices is more than just a promise—it’s a guarantee. Specializing in unboxed deals and pre-owned products, RS Imports is your go-to source in South Africa for electronics that feel just like new without the hefty price tag. Wake Up Right with Top-Tier Coffee Machines Imagine starting …
Cape Town, South Africa – Against the backdrop of one of Africa’s most vibrant cities, Decorex Cape Town returns from 6 to 9 June 2024 at the CTICC, showcasing cutting-edge design, curated exhibitions, inspiring talks, and product launches. As part of RX Africa’s commitment to sustainability, Decorex Cape Town 2024 marks a significant step towards …
Media challenged to promote tourism within SADC region
Various stakeholders in the tourism sector have challenged media to use their space to promote tourism in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Region.
The call was made during a virtual panel discussion on tourism media opportunities in the SADC Region, hosted by the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS), in collaboration with the Department of Tourism and Brand South Africa, on Wednesday.
The panel discussion, which coincides with Africa Month, forms part of the series of conversations that will be facilitated by GCIS to showcase some of the success stories within the SADC Region.
Tourism Business Council CEO, Tshifhiwa Tshivhengwa, said while the numbers may currently look good in terms of the tourists travelling to South Africa from the region and the continent, given the effects of COVID-19, there is a need to do more to bring young people in the region back into the toursim industry.
“Our job should be to make sure the region itself is attractive to international tourists. It is important to ensure that as a region, we get together and pull together our resources.
“To be attractive to the world, we need our journalists within the region and within various countries to cover tourism in way that is appealing to the international markets, in a way that it promotes travelling from those countries to South Africa, and in a way that will increase the level of tourists that are looking into South Africa,” Tshivhengwa said.
Tshivhengwa said journalists should look at how the region is building in terms of various aspects in tourism development, including issues of socio-economic development, the impact of tourism on communities, and how tourism is helping with early childhood development in various communities by way of donations and other means.
“We need to look for those things and cover them as well. There are many projects that are being done by government to uplift communities close to tourism attractions. We need to keep in mind that... it is our responsibility to promote [our region].
“Look for those stories that may not be popular in terms of selling advertising space, so that we can put those out there because as more people come in, more jobs will be created and the more prosperous the region is going to be,” Tshivhenga said.
GCIS Acting Director-General, Nomonde Mnukwa said South Africa is committed to promote and achieve the objectives of the SADC institution, and the region remains a foreign policy priority for South Africa to achieve regional development and integration.
Mnukwa said the tourism sector is considered as one of the cornerstones of the SADC regional economy, and the sector directly contributes around US$19.4 billion of the total SADC GDP.
“The tourism sector directly sustained around 2.5 million jobs in the region and a total of more than 6.3 million jobs depend on tourism, which includes direct and indirect jobs in the tourism sector.
"Travel and tourism is an important driver for job creation across the world, and our government is committed to partner with the stakeholders to invest in projects that work for people, the planet and prosperity,” Mnukwa said.
Mnukwa also echoed the sentiment that media plays a critical role in promoting tourism opportunities in the SADC region, noting that the sector has the potential to provide opportunities for all people, build resilience, and accelerate climate action and greater sustainability for the planet.
According to Statistics SA, tourism continues to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic levels and already contributes around 3.7% to the country’s GDP. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Thu, 05/23/2024 - 09:08
Business coaching – a discipline that has changed, evolved, and transformed in leaps and bounds since the 1800s. This year marks a milestone for the craft, as ActionCOACH Southern Africa commemorates 17 years of operation. It is a chance to also reflect on the road that brought us here, and the journey ahead for business …
The Coca-Cola system, consisting of The Coca-Cola Company and its authorised bottler Coca-Cola Beverages Africa (https://www.CCBAGroup.com), has announced its intention to grow its investment in Kenya by up to $175 million over the next five years, should the business achieve its anticipated growth targets in the country.
Hosting Kenyan President H.E. Dr William Ruto at The Coca-Cola Company's headquarters in Atlanta, Sunil Gupta, CEO of Coca-Cola Beverages Africa, said, “The Coca-Cola system has been an integral part of Kenya's landscape for more than 75 years. Today, we are excited to announce our intention to strengthen this legacy through a substantial investment.”
“This investment is aimed at accelerating the Coca-Cola system's capacity and capability expansion over the next five years. Our decision to invest underscores our belief in the long-term potential of Kenya's economy,” Gupta said.
Luisa Ortega, President of The Coca-Cola Company's Africa Operating Unit, emphasized the importance of collaboration with the government to create a stable policy environment. "The Coca-Cola system has been part of communities in Kenya for more than seven decades. We are excited to continue growing our business and supporting communities across Kenya for many years to come," said Ortega.
The Coca-Cola system has a rich legacy of refreshing Africa and making a difference in the East Africa region, where it is a major employer, directly employing 10,000 people.
The Coca-Cola system also works with over 500,000 Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises across the region, giving the company a direct connection to the experiences shared by many businesses in Kenya and across the East African region.
“Our value chain supports livelihoods for over a million people in distribution, sales and other roles,” said Gupta. “We source close to 8,000 metric tons of mango puree from East African farmers. We believe in the region's potential and its ability to achieve significant growth through collaboration between public and private sectors. Our business in Kenya is centered on a local approach - we hire locally, produce locally, distribute locally and source locally.”
“We are optimistic and fully committed to Kenya's future. We foresee great social and economic advancement, and this is why we continue to invest in our Kenyan business as well as community programs that help strengthen Kenya's prosperity,” Ortega concluded.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Coca Cola Beverages Africa.
ISSUED BY:
Wendy Thole-Muir
Group Head of Reputation and Communication
Coca-Cola Beverages Africa
Tel: +27 83 795 8524
Email: WThole-Muir@ccbagroup.com
Clifford Machoka
Senior Director
Public Affairs
Communication & Sustainability
East & Central Africa
Coca-Cola Africa
Tel: +254 734 109 260/1
Email: cmachoka@coca-cola.com
About The Coca‑Cola Company:
The Coca‑Cola Company (NYSE: KO) is a total beverage company with products sold in more than 200 countries and territories. Our company's purpose is to refresh the world and make a difference. We sell multiple billion-dollar brands across several beverage categories worldwide. Our portfolio of sparkling soft drink brands includes Coca‑Cola, Sprite and Fanta. Our water, sports, coffee, and tea brands include Dasani, smartwater, vitaminwater, Topo Chico, BODYARMOR, Powerade, Costa, Georgia, Gold Peak and Ayataka. Our juice, value-added dairy and plant-based beverage brands include Minute Maid, Simply, innocent, Del Valle, fairlife and AdeS. We're constantly transforming our portfolio, from reducing sugar in our drinks to bringing innovative new products to market. We seek to positively impact people's lives, communities and the planet through water replenishment, packaging recycling, sustainable sourcing practices and carbon emissions reductions across our value chain. Together with our bottling partners, we employ more than 700,000 people, helping bring economic opportunity to local communities worldwide. Follow us on Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/42DbAWX), Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/4bKvZ0m) and LinkedIn (https://apo-opa.co/4bpOQ03).
About Coca-Cola Beverages Africa:
Coca-Cola Beverages Africa is the 8th largest Coca-Cola bottling partner in the world by revenue, and the largest on the continent. It accounts for over 40% of all Coca-Cola products sold in Africa by volume. With over 18,000 employees in Africa, CCBA services more than 720,000 customers with a host of international and local brands. The group was formed in July 2016 after the successful combination of the southern and east Africa bottling operations of the non-alcoholic ready-to-drink beverages businesses of The Coca-Cola Company, SABMiller plc and Gutsche Family Investments. CCBA shareholders are currently: The Coca-Cola Company 66.5% and Gutsche Family Investments 33.5%. CCBA operates in 15 countries, including its six key markets of South Africa, Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda, Mozambique, and Namibia, as well as Tanzania, Botswana, Ghana, Zambia, the islands of Comoros and Mayotte, Eswatini, Lesotho and Malawi.
Learn more at https://www.CCBAGroup.com
Follow us on LinkedIn (https://apo-opa.co/4dfq8AC)
The 4th annual Marine Protected Areas (MPA) Day on 1 August 2024 welcomes even more support from around the world as the event continues to grow. Themed Celebrating MPAs – for People and for Nature, MPA Day invites people across the globe to recognise the importance of these ‘nature reserves of the sea’. Joining the …
Affinity Health, a leading provider of high-quality health cover, today expressed its enthusiastic support for the National Health Insurance (NHI) Bill, highlighting its commitment to collaborating with the government to implement a balanced health coverage system. Murray Hewlett, CEO of Affinity Health, praised the landmark legislation as a critical step towards universal health coverage (UHC), …
Phaahla reassures healthcare workers things will improve as NHI becomes law
Health Minister, Dr Joe Phaahla, has urged healthcare workers not to be swayed by fearmongers pushing for emigration from South Africa due to the National Health Insurance (NHI).
“Don’t listen to doomsayers and the scaremongers who are telling you that things are going to collapse and [you] must leave now that the President has [signed the Bill], [and you must] find the first flight [out of the country]. Stay here. Things are going to get better.
“This is our only country. We’re going to make sure that what we have achieved in the last 30 years can only get better and not worse,” Phaahla told medical professionals.
Phaahla was speaking at the signing of the NHI Bill into law by President Cyril Ramaphosa at the Union Buildings on Wednesday.
READ | President Ramaphosa signs NHI Bill into law
He urged all citizens to collaborate with government and be part of the solutions to achieve a fair, just, and sustainable health system that caters to the health needs of all citizens, regardless of their location or socioeconomic status.
According to the Minister, inequities that characterise South Africa’s health system are unjustifiable and require fundamental overhauling to ensure equity and sustainability.
“Families have faced agonising decisions, having to choose between necessities and necessary medical care.
“This reality does not align with the vision we hold for South Africa, where every citizen should enjoy their life to the fullest potential,” said the Minister.
Phaahla described the signing of the Bill as a historic milestone, which paves the way for government to forge ahead with universal health coverage (UHC).
WATCH |
The Minister is of the view that the law was not just a policy but also a promise.
“This is a promise of a better, healthier future for every South African, affirming that the long wait has indeed been worth it.”
This new law, according to Phaahla, is derived from the National Development Plan (NDP) and will usher in free comprehensive healthcare services at the point of use.
“Thank you very much Mr President for convening us here at the citadel of power [the Union Buildings] in our country after you found the most valued pen in the history of South Africa. I’m sure it’s going to be kept in the museum,” the Minister quipped.
READ | Somebody give me a pen! - President
Phaahla told the attendees that the vision dates as far back as 1942 under the leadership of ANC President Dr AB Xuma.
“Even at that time, they already had an outline of the type of NHI that South Africa must adopt. One of the clauses of the document called for ‘the establishment of free medical and health services for all sections of the population’,” he explained.
He also quoted another clause, which called for a “drastic overhauling of the health services of the country, with an emphasis on preventive medicine”.
“We are happy that after many years of policy discussions and five years of the NHI Bill in Parliament, the National Health Insurance has now reached the starting line,” he said.
Phaahla stated that the department will now begin implementation and create mechanisms for the use of resources available to the NHI Fund to meet the health needs of the population.
“We stand resolute and remain committed to realising a health system that ensures our people enjoy healthy and productive lives, spurred on to achieve their full potential in a more equitable South Africa.”
He believes that the signing of the Bill will add impetus to other efforts to close the inequality gap in the country.
Phaahla stated that with the Bill becoming an Act of Parliament, it would facilitate the establishment of crucial institutional and organisational structures of the NHI Fund, along with its governance arrangements.
“However, it is important for the public to note that the provisions of the NHI Act will be implemented in phases. Our intention has always been to have a rational, structured and phased approach implementation.”
Special Report | National Health Insurance: All you need to know
The Constitution empowers the President to set different dates for the effectiveness of various provisions within the Act.
Meanwhile, President Ramaphosa described the public signing of the NHI Bill into law as a pivotal moment and a milestone in South Africa’s ongoing quest for a more just society.
The Head of State strongly believes that financial hurdles facing the NHI can be navigated with careful planning, strategic resource allocation and a steadfast commitment to achieving equity.
The President also explained that the NHI Fund will procure services from public and private service providers to ensure all South Africans have access to quality healthcare. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Thu, 05/16/2024 - 13:18
Celebrating excellence in African real estate, including South Africa: enter now! Johannesburg, 13 May 2024 – The 8th annual African Property Investment Awards (API Awards) are now open for entries. This prestigious platform recognises excellence in the African real estate industry. This year, for the first time, the #APIawards will be open to entries from …
In today’s digital age, the tactile experience of writing in a journal offers a unique sense of personal engagement and reflection that digital means simply cannot match. For businesses in Australia looking to make a lasting impression, custom journals provide a sophisticated way to connect with their audience. Whether for employee appreciation, client gifts, or …
GITEX Africa 2024 (www.GITEXAfrica.com), the continent's largest tech and startup exhibition scheduled from 29-31 May in Marrakech, Morocco, emerges as a pivotal platform for exploring the intersections of digital transformation, financial inclusion, and economic empowerment. As South Africa's banking of finance sector takes center stage in this global dialogue, the event promises to be a catalyst for innovation, collaboration, and growth.
In South Africa, digital transformation has become imperative across industries, and the financial sector is no exception. From the convenience of online banking to mobile payment solutions, banks are leveraging digital technologies to enhance efficiency, improve customer experience, and expand access to financial services.
With a growing youth population favoring digital banking, financial institutions are investing in user-friendly mobile apps and online platforms to meet evolving customer preferences.
Banks Face Competition from Fintech and Innovative Platforms
These digital banking platforms provide users with convenient access to a wide range of financial services, including account management, payments, and lending, all through intuitive user-friendly mobile and online interfaces.
However, amidst this digital transformation, banks face stiff competition from a diverse array of players, including agile fintech startups and innovative tech-driven platforms. These disruptors offer innovative solutions that challenge traditional norms and cater to evolving customer needs.
South African fintech startups, recognized locally and globally, provide convenient digital banking services, investment platforms, and innovative lending solutions, drawing customers away from traditional banks with their agility and customer-centric approach. In 2021, South Africa boasted the highest number of fintech startups in the African region with 154 companies (https://apo-opa.co/3KjmVTL). As of May 2022, fintech startups in South Africa secured close to $US77 million (https://apo-opa.co/3ys79ms).
The fintech value chain encompasses a wide range of services including banking, infrastructure, crowdfunding, digital currencies, lending, payment, and regulation technology.
By facilitating dialogue, collaboration, and knowledge sharing, GITEX Africa accelerates the pace of digital transformation in the financial services sector, driving inclusive growth and economic empowerment across the African continent. Among the more than 35 esteemed speakers from South Africa include Lillian Barnard, President at Microsoft Africa; Zondwa Mandela from Mandela Legacy; and Chipo Mushwana, Executive of Emerging Innovation and Payments, Nedbank.
Major South African investment funds, unicorns, and start-ups fast-forwarding cross-continental progress at GITEX AFRICA 2024 include SAVANT, Zindi, and go1.
Lillian Barnard, President of Microsoft Africa, said: “Africa has long been recognised for its formidable growth prospects and AI is the long-awaited key to help unlock that potential.”
“The AI-powered innovation we're seeing today is poised to reinvent every aspect of society from healthcare to financial services, manufacturing and beyond. If Africa is to benefit from the paradigm shift currently sweeping the globe, we must make the promise of AI real for people and organisations across the continent – and do so responsibly.”
Hands-on Support Required for Startups
Bongani Sithole, CEO of Founders Factory Africa and a speaker at GITEX Africa outlines key challenges facing African startups: difficulties in finding product-market fit, hiring the right talent, maintaining company culture while expanding into new markets and securing funding.
Despite these challenges, Sithole highlights opportunities for startups to tap into, including the “development of new products and services to meet the needs of their growing customer base. This can lead to increased innovation and competitiveness.”
In terms of specific trends within the African startup ecosystem, Sithole says we can expect to see more mergers and acquisitions (M&As) continue this year, primarily driven by larger companies seeking to acquire earlier-stage companies. “M&As are strengthening the startup ecosystem by offering a guarantee of revenue and funding for founders.” Additionally, he notes the potential of AI applications to address societal challenges and drive economic growth.
As Africa's tech ecosystem evolves, he sees opportunities for cross-regional collaboration through initiatives like cross-border agreements for trade and talent, full implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), fast-tracking of regulatory approvals.
Reflecting on lessons from leading African unicorns, he highlights the importance of solving societal problems and embracing failure as part of the startup journey. “Many successful founders are not first-time successes. Founders are encouraged to remain within the ecosystem even after failures to create potential unicorn by leveraging their experience.”
At GITEX Africa, Sithole aims to emphasize the importance of “hands-on support” for early-stage ventures beyond just capital. He also hopes to develop actionable steps to stimulate innovation and funding across Africa, advancing the tech and startup ecosystems.
Financial Inclusion and Economic Empowerment
Recognizing the significance of digital transformation, the South African government has taken proactive steps to promote financial inclusion and economic growth. In 2023, the National Treasury released a policy framework to broaden financial inclusion (https://apo-opa.co/4bff3OC), to achieve 90 percent banked status by 2030. This initiative highlights the government's commitment to leveraging digital technologies to drive socioeconomic development and create opportunities for all South Africans.
While progress has been significant, challenges persist, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to ensure equal access to financial services. As South Africa continues to ride the wave of digital finance, the possibilities are boundless. By embracing innovation and strengthening collaboration, the country is charting a journey toward a brighter and more equitable future for all.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of GITEX Africa.
Media Contact:
Tayce Marchesi – PR Executive
Tel.: + 971 58 552 3994
Tayce.Marchesi@dwtc.com
On social media:
Facebook: https://apo-opa.co/3JwCSp0
Instagram: https://apo-opa.co/3Qjatqj
Twitter: https://apo-opa.co/3w8Pbom
LinkedIn: https://apo-opa.co/3QluZGW
Youtube: https://apo-opa.co/3UdDFAb
Hashtag: #GITEXAFRICA
Website: www.GITEXAfrica.com
About KAOUN International:
KAOUN International is the independent events company and wholly owned subsidiary of Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) established to organize and manage events internationally. Derived from the Arabic word ‘universe', KAOUN International's mission is to ‘Create Limitless Connections' for the industries and markets in which it operates. Created to leverage the 40-year legacy of DWTC's events management business and drive future MICE sector opportunity in the MENASA region. KAOUN International delivers game-changing live experiences that build robust business connections, create opportunity, and stimulate economic growth, building on DWTC's extensive portfolio of business and consumer events spanning multiple sectors, including technology, food and hospitality, sustainability, broadcast and satellite, automotive, talent development and leisure marine.
In the realm of promotional products, choosing the right item can make all the difference in how a brand is perceived. Among the myriad options available, custom cooler bags have emerged as a popular choice for businesses across Australia, blending functionality with effective branding. Let’s explore why these items are becoming go-to gifts for companies …
Salute to nurses!
As the world celebrates International Nurses Day, the South African Nursing Council (SANC) has called on South African citizens to show appreciation for every nurse working tirelessly towards the health of the nation.
International Nurses Day is celebrated annually on 12 May, the birthday of the founder of modern-day nursing Florence Nightingale.
The 2024 International Nurses Day is celebrated under the theme: “Our Nurses. Our Future. The economic power of care”.
Affirming this year’s theme, SANC Registrar and CEO, Professor Ntombifikile Mtshali, said nurses are vital to the sustainability and effectiveness of healthcare systems, making the economic investment in nursing a priority.
“Without nurses, the right to healthcare for all cannot be achieved. Nursing is a noble profession, which requires the highest degree of professionalism, ethical leadership and practice, resilience, dedication, and care,” Mtshali said.
Mtshali said the health system cannot function without nursing as its backbone – a lesson that was learnt by all during the COVID-19 pandemic.
She said reports on the nursing workforce across the world point to a dire and chronic shortage of nurses.
“Never has the time been more apt to invest more in nursing than right now.
“International Nurses Day presents an opportunity to recognise and celebrate the incredible work of all the nurses; their selfless contribution to saving lives and providing quality care to all.
“To reiterate the words of the ICN President, Pamela Cipriano, nursing is not a cost. It is an investment into our economy, as a healthy economy requires healthy minds and bodies to support it, making nursing’s economic and societal benefits a key consideration,” Mtshali said.
The Council wished all nurses a happy International Nurses Day. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Sun, 05/12/2024 - 12:05
Introduction Dust is more than just a nuisance; it can be a serious hazard in many work environments. Controlling it is not only essential for cleanliness but also for health and safety. This article explores effective strategies for dust control and how they can benefit various industries. Why Dust Control Matters Dust accumulation can lead …
Introduction Plant and machinery valuations are pivotal in providing businesses across various sectors with accurate and actionable financial insights. These valuations help organisations assess the value of their physical assets, supporting strategic decision-making concerning investment, asset management, and compliance with financial and tax regulations. From agriculture to technology, the application of precise valuation techniques …