Technology

18 September 2024

Digital platforms crucial to keeping citizens connected

Location: News

Digital platforms crucial to keeping citizens connected

Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Kenny Morolong, has emphasised the significance of digital platforms like Meta in connecting citizens and empowering them through educational content, job opportunities, service announcements and real-time communication.

“This is indeed a step towards creating a more informed and connected society where government is responsive to the needs of citizens,” he said on Wednesday.

The Deputy Minister was delivering a keynote address through a virtual platform at the second Meta for Government Summit in Johannesburg on Wednesday.

Meta, in partnership with the Ministry in the Presidency and the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS), is hosting this year’s summit, which is currently underway.

The Deputy Minister said the summit’s timing was crucial as it confronts digital age challenges and opportunities for government communication and economic growth in South Africa.

He believes that South Africa is witnessing an unprecedented transformation in the way government governs and engages with citizens.

“Digital media platforms such as those provided by Meta play a pivotal role in this journey by helping us connect with our citizens more directly, openly and effectively.

“Government has made digital engagement central to our efforts to uplift our people and empower them to take charge of their destinies,” he told the attendees.

He said digital tools can drive economic inclusion and ensure all citizens benefit from Meta's platforms, the parent company of Facebook.

“This is particularly crucial for small businesses and entrepreneurs who have used these platforms to create jobs and expand their reach.”

Fake news

The conversation also addressed the challenges of misinformation and the need for media sustainability.

Shifting his focus to online threats, fake news, disinformation, misinformation and deepfakes, he said government continues to witness the unintended consequences of social media platforms.

“These issues relate to the immigration of bad practices, some of which have resulted in high levels of cyberbullying directed at journalists, children, youth and people with disabilities.”

He said the South African government viewed the spread of misinformation as a serious threat and called on platforms such as those managed by Meta to play an active role in curbing this “unwelcome reality”.

The Deputy Minister underscored ethical digital tool usage, with a call for collaboration to ensure safe and effective digital engagement.

Morolong welcomed Meta’s ongoing efforts to tackle disinformation by employing fact-checkers, developing sophisticated content moderation systems and supporting digital literacy initiatives.

“This is vital to ensuring that citizens receive accurate information that they can trust and are protected from malicious content designed to cause discomfort,” he added.

Southern Africa Meta’s Head of Public Policy, Thabo Makenete, highlighted the use of WhatsApp for event announcements and the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) to create richer content and broader reach.

He described AI as a breakthrough technology of the 21st century with a focus on its potential to solve new and old problems.

Makenete emphasised the need for government to embrace AI to enhance message reach and content richness. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Wed, 09/18/2024 - 11:40

508 views

18 September 2024

IQTech Leads Efforts to Combat Rising Road Accidents in South Africa Through Innovative Telematics Solutions

Location: MyPR

South Africa, 18 September 2024 – As South Africa grapples with a staggering rise in road accidents, IQTech, a leader in telematics technology, is spearheading efforts to enhance road safety through cutting-edge solutions. Recent statistics from Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) underscore the urgent need for comprehensive measures to curb road fatalities, which have reached …

18 September 2024

The Costs of Cyberattacks: How One Breach Can Sink a Business

Location: Business

In today's interconnected world, cyberattacks are more frequent and more dangerous than ever before. Businesses, regardless of size or industry, are prime targets for cybercriminals. These attacks can cause widespread damage and create long-lasting consequences. Kaspersky (www.Kaspersky.co.za) dives into the impact of cyberattacks on business and reveals the key losses that an unprotected business can suffer.

When we consider the impact of cyberattacks on business, the first thing we pay attention to is financial losses. An example of an incident with huge financial losses is the attack on Johnson Controls, a major player in the building technology sector that faced a significant ransomware incident (https://apo-opa.co/3XnrMJm) perpetrated by the Dark Angels hacking group. The attackers claimed to have stolen 27 terabytes of sensitive data and demanded a $51 million ransom. This breach resulted in severe disruptions to the company's systems and cost over $27 million in damages. The attack impacted Johnson Controls' business operations, including disruptions to its billing systems and increased recovery expenses. As a company with a global presence, the breach significantly affected its business relationships and operations.

Below, Kaspersky explores several key ways a cyberattack can hurt your business.

Financial losses
Cyberattacks often result in direct financial losses. Ransomware attacks, where hackers demand payment to restore access to data or directly steal funds, are a clear example. But this is only the beginning, as there are numerous other consequences that may result in considerable indirect financial losses. These can easily exceed what the company has lost as an immediate outcome of the incident.

Operational disruption
Cyberattacks can grind your operations to a halt. Many businesses depend on their digital infrastructure for daily activities. If systems are compromised, productivity falls. In severe cases, entire operations may be disrupted for days or even weeks (https://apo-opa.co/3MQRkKo), resulting in lost revenue, diminished service quality and disappointed clients and partners — an additional impact on your company's reputation.

Indirect long-term costs
Even following the immediate aftermath of a cyberattack, businesses often face long-term financial impacts. Restoring systems, improving cybersecurity infrastructure, and managing the legal fallout are just some of the lingering costs. Additionally, lost business and damaged customer relationships can take months or years to rebuild.

Reputational damage
The trust your clients place in you is invaluable. If customer data is stolen in a breach, it can severely damage your brand's reputation. This loss of trust can lead to customers leaving and a long-term decline in business. In some cases, a single breach is enough to ruin a company's public image beyond repair.

If your business falls victim to an attack, it can also impact your relationships with partners and vendors. Third-party partners might lose confidence in your ability to protect shared data. Similarly, business-critical relationships could be jeopardised if you fail to recover quickly or if your systems compromise their operations.

Legal and compliance issues
With data protection regulations such as the GDPR in Europe, POPIA in South Africa or HIPAA in the U.S., a data breach can lead to heavy fines. Failing to protect sensitive customer or employee data may result in penalties and lawsuits. Furthermore, companies that fall victim to breaches often face lengthy legal battles, which add to the financial and reputational strain.

Loss of intellectual property
For many businesses, intellectual property (IP) is among their most valuable assets. Cyberattacks targeting IP can steal product designs, marketing strategies, and proprietary information. This is particularly harmful in competitive industries like technology and pharmaceuticals, where IP theft can erase the advantage a company has spent years building.

“Attackers are never idle - they're like wolves who must be constantly active to catch their prey off-guard. So, companies need to be ever more alert and agile. They must be sure they have the right solutions and processes to allow for effective threat discovery and containment, as well as swift recovery. At Kaspersky, we're deeply committed to delivering the agile security that businesses need. Proactive assessments and multi-layered protective solutions, plus managed security and actionable threat intelligence - we have it all. What's more important, we have the expertise to put together the exact cybersecurity structure for your individual profile. Only a consistent and comprehensive approach, like this one, can ensure true business resilience against today's cyber risks,” comments Oleg Gorobets, Security Evangelist at Kaspersky.

Below, Kaspersky offers some recommendations to help your business stay ahead of cyberthreats and remain resilient:

Always keep the software updated on all the devices you use to prevent attackers from infiltrating your network by exploiting vulnerabilities. Install patches for new vulnerabilities as soon as possible.
To protect the company against a wide range of threats, use robust solutions, like that from the Kaspersky Next (https://apo-opa.co/4gr9zDD) product line, that provide real-time protection, threat visibility, and the investigation and response capabilities of EDR and XDR for organisations of any size and industry. Kaspersky solutions are regularly awarded, leading in independent tests (https://apo-opa.co/3XyqJXl).
For protection of very small businesses, use solutions intended to help you manage your cybersecurity even without having an IT administrator on board. Kaspersky Small Office Security (https://apo-opa.co/4gxRLqz) provides you with hands-off security due to 'install and forget' protection and saves the budget, which is crucial, particularly in the early stages of business development.
If your company doesn't have a dedicated IT security function and only has generalist IT admins who may lack the specialist skills required for expert-level detection and response solutions, consider subscribing to a managed service such as Kaspersky MDR (https://apo-opa.co/3zzkfiN). This would instantly boost your security capabilities by an order of magnitude, while allowing you to focus on building in-house expertise.
Educate your employees to have protection against human-related cyberattacks. Specialised courses can help, such as Kaspersky Automated Security Awareness Platform (https://apo-opa.co/3XtzFgw) that instills safe Internet behaviour and includes a simulated phishing attack exercise.
Set up offline backups that intruders cannot tamper with. Make sure you can quickly access them in an emergency when needed.
Conduct cybersecurity audits.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Kaspersky.

For further information please contact:
Nicole Allman
INK&Co. (https://InkAndCo.co.za/)
nicole@inkandco.co.za

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About Kaspersky:
Kaspersky is a global cybersecurity and digital privacy company founded in 1997. With over a billion devices protected to date from emerging cyberthreats and targeted attacks, Kaspersky's deep threat intelligence and security expertise is constantly transforming into innovative solutions and services to protect businesses, critical infrastructure, governments and consumers around the globe. The company's comprehensive security portfolio includes leading endpoint protection, specialized security products and services, as well as Cyber Immune solutions to fight sophisticated and evolving digital threats. We help over 200,000 corporate clients protect what matters most to them. Learn more at www.Kaspersky.co.za.

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17 September 2024

SA launches R300 million facility for recycling plastic

Location: News

SA launches R300 million facility for recycling plastic

A new PET (polyethylene terephthalate) processing facility, which can accommodate more plastic waste and is the first-of-its-kind technology for Africa, will come on stream in 2025.

This was announced on the sidelines of the International Solid Waste Association’s (ISWA) annual conference where South Africa’s efforts to build a circular economy for post-consumer packaging was thrust into the spotlight.

The ISWA’s annual conference saw the country’s most experienced producer responsibility organisation, Petco, and recycling partner, Extrupet, giving a site tour of the new PET processing facility.

The facility, which houses the new R300 million project, will bring PET bottle-to-bottle recycling capability to the Western Cape for the first time.

The facility will add an extra 15 000 tonnes per annum of food-grade recycled PET (rPET recycled polyethylene terephthalate) output capacity.

Extrupet Joint Managing Director Chandru Wadhwani said 64% of South Africa’s PET plastic bottles were currently collected for recycling.

“With this increased capacity, we will be able to accommodate more plastic waste and strengthen South Africa’s position as a circular economy leader in Africa and the world,” Wadhwani said on Monday in Cape Town.

Stimulating demand

Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Bernice Swarts said the facility adds value to the country’s efforts to increase the collection and recycling rates for packaging materials, including PET.

“We view the facility as an opportunity to stimulate a demand for more PET materials and a supply of these by waste pickers and waste small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs), thus creating stable markets for PET.

“The facility needs to be fed and the collection system needs to be improved in order to meet the demand of this facility.

“Waste pickers are an important contributor to the supply of the input material of plastic waste and we look forward to seeing the implementation of the waste picker service fee in order to continue to enable these waste pickers to do their work effectively and efficiently," Swarts said.

Petco CEO Cheri Scholtz said the additional capacity would assist in closing the loop for PET, which is the most widely recycled plastic polymer that can be turned into another food- grade product.

“So, this increase in capacity takes us another tangible step towards that circular economy, in which a bottle becomes a bottle over and over again and keeps that material in circulation at its highest possible value,” Scholtz said.

This year’s ISWA conference is taking place under the theme: “Waste to Wealth: Solutions for a Sustainable Future”.

As the host country, South Africa has demonstrated its commitment to sustainable development with a focus on building a circular economy and the introduction of extended producer responsibility (EPR) regulations that require producers to take responsibility for their packaging waste throughout its life cycle.

Partnership

Scholtz said, as a Producer Responsibility Organisation, Petco worked with government to contribute to policy development and the implementation of EPR legislation and helped its members to meet their legislated targets for collection, recycling and the inclusion of recycled content in their packaging, which increased year on year.

She said the key to success lay in building a sustainable value chain that could survive the economic peaks and troughs, by balancing collection with recycling capacity and stimulating.

“It doesn’t just happen overnight; it has been a journey. Petco and Extrupet have been working together for more than 20 years to build a solid foundation.

“Petco’s commitment of ongoing support to our 10 contracted recycling partners, like Extrupet, gives them the confidence to invest in the new equipment and infrastructure that is needed to recycle increasing tonnages of recyclable packaging.

“The support also enables recyclers to increase the gate price at which they purchase recyclable packaging, which stimulates collection on the ground by increasing the street value of this packaging and growing the local market for it, thereby making it easier for waste pickers to sell their collected packaging and earn an income from it,” Scholtz said.

She said a strong relationship with government, especially the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, was equally important for the country to benefit as a whole.

“Having implementable regulations, strong compliance, and effective enforcement is vital. We partner with all tiers of government to support sustainable waste management and diversion initiatives, and work towards meeting sustainable development and circular economy goals.”

Climate Change Bill

She said that the opening of the new plant also aligned with government’s climate change goals, as outlined in the newly signed Climate Change Bill.

The bill sets out to enhance South Africa’s ability to cut greenhouse gas emissions and build climate resilience, while reducing the risk of job losses, and promoting new job opportunities in the emerging green economy.

Wadhwani said Extrupet had established its first bottle-to-food-grade line in Johannesburg in 2009, with the second following in 2014.

“The third arrived during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. And the fact that this is now the fourth line in what's, in essence, a 15-year horizon is just so gratifying for us,” Wadhwani said. - SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Tue, 09/17/2024 - 09:49

594 views

17 September 2024

Former NHLS CEO ordered to pay R22 million for loss incurred

Location: News

Former NHLS CEO ordered to pay R22 million for loss incurred

The National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS) says it welcomes the judgment against its former CEO, Joyce Mogale, and her co-applicant, the estate of the late former Chief Financial Officer, Sikhumbuzo Zulu, who died before the court proceedings started.

This is after the Labour Court dismissed an unfair dismissal claim against the former officials and ordered Mogale to pay R22 million to the NHLS for losses it incurred because of her conduct.

“The judgment is a victory for governance and recoups losses which the NHLS has suffered as a result of the conduct of its most senior employees,” the NHLS said in a statement.

According to the entity, Judge Connie Prinsloo of the Labour Court found the pair’s dismissal to be fair.

“She used these words to describe their conduct, ‘displayed severe negligence and incompetence … dismally failed to carry out explicit Board resolutions and … blatantly disregarded the limitations contained in the delegation of authority’.”

In her ruling delivered on Friday, 13 September 2024, the Judge stated that the pair had breached the lawful, reasonable, and fair instructions of their employer.

She also mentioned that they failed to exercise due diligence and care, and referred to Mogale’s conduct as “astonishing”.

“Judge Prinsloo further stated that Mogale was unable to acknowledge her role in creating her misery – she was constantly shifting the blame, even onto the media.”

According to the NHLS, the Board became aware of irregularities in 2017, and Mogale and Zulu were subsequently suspended and dismissed in 2019 after a disciplinary hearing.

The dismissal of Mogale and Zulu, affirmed by Judge Prinsloo, were based on three separate irregular commercial contracts at the NHLS.

These include the Afrirent vehicle leasing irregularity, in which the former CEO approved a contract for R72 million without a Board and way above the limit of her authority.

She increased the contract even further to R79 million without any due process.

“She signed a Service Level Agreement with an unwarranted penalty clause which ballooned the cost even further. The Afrirent irregularities led to a judgement that Mogale must pay back R22 million to the NHLS,” the entity explained.

In the Blue Future contract information technology (IT) equipment irregularity, the NHLS Board authorised a procurement of R25 million.

However, Mogale, without a competitive tender, summarily procured R83 million and mostly for goods that had nothing to do with the tender.

In the DV8 wide area network irregularity, the NHLS stated that a R63.5 million addendum was signed to the contract without going through the tendering process and without specifying the goods to be purchased, leaving room for potential malfeasance.

“In sum, Judge Prinsloo found that Mogale’s conduct violated the Public Finance Management Act, the NHLS Supply Chain Management Policy and her contract of employment,” the entity explained.

The Chairperson of the Board, Prof Eric Buch, said that at the time of their suspension, the NHLS debt to its suppliers exceeded R800 million, which surpassed its cash balance.

Since then, Buch said, a diligent effort has steadily turned the NHLS around.

The organisation stated that it now has significant reserves, and its staff have received reasonable annual increases, while annual tariff increases have remained below 5%.

“This judgement is salient as it provides further evidence of the probity and diligence of the Board and its efforts to hold those responsible to account, however long it takes,” Buch added.

Meanwhile, Mogale, former Head of Supply Chain Management Graham Motsepe, Manager of Contracts and Tender Compliance Mthunzi Mthimkulu, Legal Manager Sibusiso Mthenjane and the owner of Blue Future Kapai Pierre Petersen are all on trial in the specialised commercial crimes court in Palm Ridge.

Petersen has already been found guilty of fraud in his tender submission to the NHLS and is awaiting sentencing.

Buch said he was still optimistic that those responsible will also be charged on the Afrirent and DV8 matters. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Tue, 09/17/2024 - 12:27

389 views

17 September 2024

Red Ribbon Communications Elevates Brand Recognition in the Renewable Energy Sector

Location: MyPR

Red Ribbon Communications, a leading PR agency specialising in tech PR and sustainability, has achieved a significant milestone through its successful collaboration with Rubicon, a leading South African sustainable technology provider. The strategic partnership has not only solidified Red Ribbon’s position as an expert in providing PR services to renewable energy solutions but has also …

17 September 2024

Red Ribbon Communications Launches Consumer Tech Division Following Lg Electronics Win

Location: MyPR

Red Ribbon Communications is excited to announce the formation of a dedicated consumer tech division to meet the rapidly growing demand for public relations and marketing services in the technology and consumer electronics sectors. Zenahrea Damon, an industry veteran with a stellar track record, heads the division, with support from former Daily Maverick journalist Karabo …

17 September 2024

Ending the Silence: Understanding and Preventing Suicide in South Africa

Location: MyPR

Cape Town, September, 17, 2024: September is World Suicide Prevention Month, a time to talk about a challenging topic that many avoid. In South Africa, it’s estimated that one person dies by suicide every hour. This heartbreaking statistic affects families, friends, and entire communities nationwide. The Seriousness of Suicide in South Africa South Africa has one …

15 September 2024

Gauteng commended for tackling water challenges head on

Location: News

Gauteng commended for tackling water challenges head on

Water and Sanitation Deputy Minister, David Mahlobo, has commended Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi’s bold steps towards tackling the province’s water challenges head on.

This comes after the Gauteng Councillors' Imbizo held in Boksburg, east of Johannesburg on Friday.

The event aimed to address the pressing issues of water security in the province’s municipalities, caused mainly by a constant population growth which has negatively impacted on infrastructure and water supply management issues within the municipalities.

Mahlobo, who addressed the event, highlighted the pivotal role water plays in social transformation and economic development.

He warned that neglecting water infrastructure and the management of water supply not only hinders progress but also poses significant water security threat to the province.

The Deputy Minister highlighted that Gauteng has faced ongoing water supply challenges due to increased water demand by the residents.

“Alarmingly, there is no municipality within the province that has achieved a consistent 100% or 99% water supply to its citizens without disruptions. We cannot allow the situation to continue because water will become an impediment to social transformation and economic growth and can also become a security threat within the province,” Mahlobo said.

The Deputy Minister stressed the necessity of a collective mindset shift regarding water management and its conservation within the province, pointing out that the behaviour exhibited by most domestic and institutional water users reflects a concerning lack of awareness about the sustenance of water as a finite and vital resource.

Mahlobo urged councillors not to allow the decision makers to deter their goal of ensuring service delivery in their communities.

“Councillors are in a unique position to engage with their communities and to raise awareness about water conservation, and advocate for necessary infrastructure changes. I hope that when you conclude your sessions in this Imbizo, you will have a different attitude towards matters of water supply and you will handle water and sanitation issues differently," Mahlobo said.

The Imbizo served not only as a platform for sharing concerns but also as a springboard for actionable solutions.

Mahlobo identified several key strategies, which include loss of water due to infrastructure decay, to address the water challenges facing Gauteng.

He highlighted fixing sewer spillages and ensuring that sewage systems are operating efficiently as crucial to ensure sustainable water availability and its management.

Mahlobo's approach also laid the groundwork for sustainable long-term water management practices.

“Residents and municipalities must adopt a practice that promotes responsible water consumption, which can help alleviate pressures on the existing water supply. Moreover, technology should be integrated to monitor and safeguard water infrastructure, and this can enhance management efforts and prevent future crisis,” Mahlobo said.

During the Imbizo, councillors from various municipalities got an opportunity to voice their concerns regarding water and sanitation issues.

Councillor Mariana Kruger from Ward 12 in Midvaal Local Municipality commended Rand Water for their substantial contributions toward improving water supply and emphasised the importance of collaboration between local government and water entities.

"We must maintain an open communication and contact with our counterparts to ensure effective water supply and sanitation services," Kruger said.

The Deputy Minister’s call for a change in relationship dynamics surrounding water management can empower local leaders to take initiatives that prioritise water security for their residents. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Sun, 09/15/2024 - 11:01

145 views

13 September 2024

Uphold the principles of equality in honour of Ronnie Mamoepa

Location: News

Uphold the principles of equality in honour of Ronnie Mamoepa

Deputy President Paul Mashatile has called on citizens to recommit themselves to the values of compassion, justice, and unity in honour of the late Ronnie Mamoepa.

“Together, let us construct a future that affords everyone the chance to prosper, ensures no one falls behind, and upholds the principles of equality and dignity for all.

“As President Oliver Tambo instructed, our task even in the conditions we find ourselves in today, remains that of bringing about the kind of society we visualised in the Freedom Charter,” he said on Friday.

Deputy President Mashatile was delivering a keynote address at the Ronnie Mamoepa Inaugural Annual Lecture at the Tshwane University of Technology’s Pretoria campus.

The late Mamoepa was an esteemed struggle hero, a defender of freedom and democracy, a respected figure in government communication and a dedicated public servant.

He passed away in July 2017 after a long illness at the age of 56.

His last position was as the spokesperson for the Deputy President at that time, Cyril Ramaphosa.

Hosted by the Ronnie Mamoepa Foundation, the inaugural annual lecture honoured the struggle hero, whose work in government communication helped shape the democratic narrative in South Africa.

The Deputy President’s address centred around the 30 Years of Democracy and citizen-centered government communication.

“I am of the view that Ronnie was an optimist, determined to realise the goal of a national democratic society that is non-racial, non-sexist, democratic, united, and prosperous.”

He described him as a revolutionary intellectual due to his critical thinking. “Mamoepa was an intellectual who, like other revolutionary thinkers, recognised the necessity of investing in research, reading, and critical theory and discipline.”

The Deputy President remembered that following his release from Robben Island, Mamoepa returned to his residence in Atteridgeville, Pretoria, and resumed his political activities.

“I must acknowledge that Ronnie Mamoepa, whose work ethic, and dedication to service remains unparalleled, also influenced some of the former student leaders of SASCO [South African Students Congress] who are currently members of my team in the Presidency.”

Together with Mamoepa, he said, they fought against the oppressor and equally stood against any form of discrimination.

“Our resolve to resist colonialism and apartheid stemmed from our belief in the vision of a South Africa in which the people govern, the country’s wealth is restored to the people, and the land is shared among those who work it. Our vision was to establish a society free from human exploitation.”

Government of National Unity

The Deputy President said he believed the late government communicator would have backed the Government of National Unity (GNU).

He told the attendees that GNU parties have made a firm commitment to respect the Constitution and the rule of law, as well as to promote accountability, transparency, integrity, and good governance.

“The GNU has resolved to dedicate the next five years to actions that will advance three strategic priorities – to drive inclusive growth and job creation, to reduce poverty and tackle the high cost of living, and to build a capable, ethical, and developmental State.”

The Deputy President assured citizens that the GNU is working around the clock to build a better South Africa for everyone.

“This means that we must work together to address all the challenges we face. We are at a time where we need to theorise and understand the context of the world we live in.”

The country’s second-in-command said as the seventh administration, led by President Cyril Ramaphosa, the goal is to create a society where every voice is acknowledged, and every citizen is empowered.

“We are confident that the movement of Ronnie Mamoepa will reemerge! Long Live the Spirit of Ronnie Mamoepa long live,” he added. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Fri, 09/13/2024 - 14:13

71 views

13 September 2024

The Versatile Future of Home Displays: Why Monitors Are More Than Just TV Alternatives

Location: MyPR

By Tyrone Young, Head of Sales for Information Display and Information Technology from LG Electronics South Africa In recent years, we have witnessed a significant shift in how people consume digital content and manage their work-life balance. This evolution has brought computer monitors into the spotlight, not just as productivity tools, but as versatile display …

13 September 2024

LG Unveils Ai-Powered Future of Home Living

Location: MyPR

The company’s ThinQ ON platform is set to revolutionise daily life with personalised, intelligent home solutions. LG Electronics (LG) unveiled its pioneering vision for future living at IFA 2024 in Berlin, Germany, showcasing a comprehensive range of AI home solutions under the theme ‘Experience, Affectionate Intelligence (AI) Home.’ The exhibition highlighted how LG’s advanced AI …

13 September 2024

Lamola embarks on a working visit to the United States

Location: News

Lamola embarks on a working visit to the United States

The International Relations and Cooperation Minister, Ronald Lamola, has arrived in Washington DC, in the United States on Thursday for a weeklong working visit.

South Africa enjoys strategic relations with the United States and has strong political, economic, and social ties.
According to the department, bilateral cooperation with the United States covers various issues aligned with South Africa’s domestic priorities and the National Development Plan (NDP).

America is also the leading source of foreign direct investment, a market for value-added exports and agri-products, technology transfer, development assistance, investment finance, skills development, and tourism for South Africa.

These investments, according to the department, make a significant contribution to supporting government efforts to reduce poverty, unemployment and inequality.

During the visit, which will conclude on Thursday, 19 September 2024, the Minister will participate in meetings and attend various events.

These include the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s 53rd Annual Legislative Conference Roundtable where delegates will also discuss critical issues facing Africa and the diaspora solutions, and the United States policy toward Africa.

He is also expected to meet with the business stakeholders, including the United States Chamber of Commerce.
George Washington University will host Lamola for a panel discussion on United States-South Africa relations.

“There will also be an engagement with the Quincy Institute Responsible for State Craft and a meeting with members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

“Minister Lamola believes that this working visit will deepen and strengthen the political and economic ties between the two countries,” the statement read. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Fri, 09/13/2024 - 10:14

106 views

12 September 2024

Expert panel to advise on new nuclear build

Location: News

Expert panel to advise on new nuclear build

An expert panel is expected to be convened to advise Energy and Electricity Minister Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa on government’s planned procurement of some 2 500MW of nuclear energy to the grid.

The Minister revealed this during a media briefing on the sidelines of the Nuclear Seminar held in Gauteng on Thursday.

“We’re putting together an expert team that will advise me in relation to the pace and scale that we can afford. Once we answer that question then we will be able to articulate on the public consultation process, what the timelines are and then simultaneously we’ll begin to work out a procurement framework.

“It is the procurement framework that we will then take to Cabinet to seek an in principle approval of the framework. The actual execution of that procurement will be discharged through an avenue that we will announce,” he said.

The Minister emphasised that as it takes care of its people, government has a right to choose which sources of energy it taps into.

“As a country we reserve the right to determine what are those technologies and fuel sources that we are going to use. That is a sovereign right. We do accept that in the energy complex that are opposed to this or that technology.

“To the extent that we can justify and illustrate that it’s in the interest of the sovereign, we will pursue that,” he said.

The Minister emphasised that the department is open to having frank conversations about the sources of energy powering the country.

“The conversations are democratic, they are open. We are going to discuss all technologies, all fuel sources because all of them are needed to help us…on the energy side. But also to ensure that we achieve conditions of energy sovereignty and also we pursue other peaceful uses outside of powering the South African economy.

“Nothing is off the table as far as this Ministry is concerned. We are going to discuss everything and pursue these opportunities that we have identified in the interest of the country,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Thu, 09/12/2024 - 15:19

94 views

12 September 2024

Yassir Celebrates Heritage Month and Spring: Embracing Global Vision With A Local Touch

Location: MyPR

As South Africa steps into Heritage Month and embraces the vibrant energy of spring, Yassir, a globally recognized on-demand grocery delivery service, is thrilled to celebrate these occasions bhese occasions by highlighting its commitment to convenience, affordability, and long operating hours”. To mark these celebrations, Yassir is offering an exclusive deal: new customers can enjoy …

11 September 2024

National Basketball Association (NBA) Africa Announces Finalists for Triple-Double Startup Accelerator Demo Day

Location: Sport

NBA Africa (www.NBA.com) today announced the 10 startup companies from seven African countries that have been selected to pitch their products to a panel of international industry leaders at a Demo Day at the NBA headquarters in New York City on Wednesday, Sept. 25 as part of “Triple-Double: NBA Africa Startup Accelerator (http://apo-opa.co/47lTICe),” which the league launched in April 2024 to support Africa's technology ecosystem and the next generation of African entrepreneurs.

The panel will then determine the four winning companies that will be awarded financial support and mentorship, including an opportunity to participate in workshops and development programs facilitated by NBA Africa or its partners. Below are the 10 startups that will compete for the four prize-winning spots.

Backrest (Rwanda) provides a wearable technology solution called WristWrist for venues and event organizers to facilitate cashless payments at event venues. WristWrist provides a payment system whereby attendees can load money onto wristbands before an event and spend it at the event venue through seamless, quick transactions.
Buzza (Nigeria) helps sports organizations improve their operations through digital solutions, including enabling organizations to transition from paper-based to digital management, setting up websites, collecting payment, and growing revenue. Athletes can also sign up for the platform to track their matches and scores and build their profiles to become more prominent sports figures and influencers across Africa.
Festival Coins (Nigeria) is an event technology company that offers a customizable, no-code event registration and ticketing platform called Tix Africa for events in Nigeria and Ghana. It enables event organizers to sell tickets online, process payments, and handle on-site registrations.
Gara (Côte d'Ivoire) is a pan-African video gaming and comics platform that encourages and facilitates the distribution of digital entertainment experiences on the continent. Through culturally relevant products, including games featuring local celebrities and adaptable payment systems for local currencies, Gara aims to facilitate greater reach and monetization of the creative and cultural industries on the continent.
HustleSasa (Kenya) provides live event services that support payment processing, attendee check-in, merchandise sales, customer data management, influencer tracking, and more.
Naemo Global (Nigeria) aims to revolutionize sports scouting on the African continent through its proprietary scouting software Afriskaut, which utilizes data analytics and AI. The Afriskaut platform processes football match videos and extracts critical data, which it makes available to clients via a platform and application programming interface (API) to support scouting the next generation of elite talent.
Power to Girls Foundation (Ghana) provides a social connection and mentorship platform called My Power App dedicated to empowering and supporting girls and women ages 13-20. The platform provides educational resources, connects users with mentors, offers a confidential helpline, and fosters a supportive community of like-minded girls, addressing critical growth areas such as education, mental health, and personal development.
Salubata (Nigeria) creates modular shoes repurposed from plastic waste. With a global patent and two design rights for its innovation, the company aims to reduce the global carbon footprint through its environmentally friendly products.
UBR VR (Egypt) delivers state-of-the-art, fully immersive, in-person virtual reality (VR) experiences across Egypt. Its rich historical and fantasy VR worlds are culturally relevant and localized, allowing players to roam freely in enclosed spaces and interact with each other in a designated play area. These VR experiences are unparalleled in the country and foster a sense of connection to both the local community and fellow players.
Vambo Technologies (South Africa) provides a digital language technology platform that leverages AI to provide real-time translation, content creation, and language learning technology. Not only does Vambo AI offer widely spoken languages such as Amharic, Yoruba, French and Portuguese, it also offers more niche languages spoken across Africa to facilitate true digital inclusion on the continent.

“We have been inspired by the level of talent and creativity from all of the applicants, and we congratulate the 10 deserving finalists who will showcase their innovative solutions at Demo Day later this month,” said NBA Africa CEO Clare Akamanzi. “NBA Africa is committed to supporting the continued growth of startups on the continent, including the four prize-winners whose innovative solutions will further elevate the sport and creative industries in Africa for years to come.”

Operated by ALX Ventures, “Triple-Double: NBA Africa Startup Accelerator” was open to early-stage startups in Africa that develop solutions in event management and ticketing, youth development, AI, and digital marketing. The initiative will support Africa's tech ecosystem and the next generation of African tech entrepreneurs by providing them with access to mentorship and capital that will help drive growth in the sports and creative industries.

The four prize-winning startups will be announced at Demo Day.

Video (http://apo-opa.co/4d2bY4w): Triple-Double: NBA Africa Startup Accelerator Reveals 10 Finalists for Demo Day

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of National Basketball Association (NBA).

Contact:
Pawel Weszka
NBA Africa Communications
pweszka@nba.com
+27 10 0072666

About NBA Africa:
NBA Africa is an affiliate of the National Basketball Association (NBA), a global sports and media organization with the mission to inspire and connect people everywhere through the power of basketball. NBA Africa conducts the league's business in Africa, including the Basketball Africa League (BAL), and has opened subsidiary offices in Cairo, Egypt; Dakar, Senegal; Johannesburg, South Africa; Lagos, Nigeria; and Nairobi, Kenya. The league's efforts on the continent have focused on increasing access to basketball and the NBA through youth and elite development, social responsibility, media distribution, corporate partnerships, NBA Africa Games, NBA Stores, the BAL, and more.

NBA games and programming are available in all 54 African countries, and the NBA has hosted three sold-out exhibition games on the continent since 2015. The BAL, a partnership between the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) and NBA Africa, is a professional league featuring 12 club teams from across Africa that concluded its fourth season in June 2024. Fans can follow @ NBA_Africa and @ theBAL on Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube

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11 September 2024

Nelson Mandela Bay partners with Zhuhai City

Location: News

Nelson Mandela Bay partners with Zhuhai City

The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality and Zhuhai City from the People's Republic of China have expressed their intention to collaborate and cooperate in various fields to carry forward friendly exchanges and cooperation.

Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Mayor, Gary van Niekerk, and Vice Mayor of Zhuhai Municipal Government, Yang Chuan, signed a letter of intent which establishes a relationship between the two municipalities, which will bring mutual beneficial business investment opportunities.

Through constructive discussions, both cities have expressed their intention to collaborate and cooperate in various fields to carry forward friendly exchanges and cooperation.

Both cities, under the principles of mutual respect, trust, fairness, and benefit, will proactively engage in various forms of exchanges and cooperation.

According to the agreement, the cities will prioritise exchanges and cooperation in various areas to facilitate tangible results.

These include strengthening economic ties and industrial collaboration to create job opportunities and boost economic growth, enhancing port operations and promoting tourism to benefit both cities, and fostering educational exchanges to enrich cultural understanding and knowledge sharing.

The cities will also exchange and cooperate in promoting cultural exchange and cooperation in the manufacturing sector to drive innovation and development, emphasising technology exchange to advance innovation and technological progress, and focusing on sustainable development to ensure long-term environmental and economic sustainability.

City leaders and relevant government departments of both cities will maintain frequent contacts to discuss and address issues of mutual concern, ensuring continuous and effective cooperation.

To facilitate communication and information exchange, both sides agree to explore appointing the Nelson Mandela Bay and the Zhuhai Foreign Affairs Office.

Speaking at a signing ceremony at Gqeberha City Hall, Van Niekerk said the partnership represented a significant step towards enhancing the city’s international relations and creating opportunities for the communities.

"I am thrilled that we are embarking on this journey of collaboration with Zhuhai. By working together, we can share knowledge, drive economic growth, and promote cultural understanding.

“I am confident that this cooperation will bring about positive changes and strengthen the bonds between our cities," Van Niekerk said.

He added that the intention to collaborate and cooperate marks a significant milestone in the relationship between Nelson Mandela Bay and Zhuhai, emphasising the critical importance of international relations and cooperation.

“By working together, both cities aim to create job opportunities, strengthen economic ties, promote cultural exchange, enhance trade and investment, education, drive innovation in manufacturing, advance technological progress, and ensure sustainable development,” the Mayor said. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Wed, 09/11/2024 - 13:11

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11 September 2024

Deputy President to speak at Ronnie Mamoepa Inaugural Annual Lecture

Location: News

Deputy President to speak at Ronnie Mamoepa Inaugural Annual Lecture

Deputy President Paul Mashatile is scheduled to deliver the keynote address at the Ronnie Mamoepa Inaugural Annual Lecture on Friday, 13 September 2024.

The lecture will take place at the Tshwane University of Technology’s Pretoria campus.

The Presidency described the late Mamoepa as one of the most esteemed struggle heroes, a defender of freedom and democracy, a respected figure in government communications, and a dedicated public servant.

Hosted by the Ronnie Mamoepa Foundation, the inaugural annual lecture will honour the struggle hero, whose work in government communications helped shape the democratic narrative in South Africa.

The Deputy President’s address will centre around the “30 Years of Democracy: Reflection and Citizen-Centered Government Communications”.

“The theme underscores the importance of accountable communication between government and its citizens, in line with Mamoepa’s legacy,” the statement read.

The lecture aims to reflect on the progress made since the advent of democracy in 1994, emphasising the ongoing need for citizen-focused communication and engagement between government and the people.

Mamoepa passed away in July 2017 after a long illness at the age of 56.

His last position was as the spokesperson for the Deputy President at that time, Cyril Ramaphosa. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Wed, 09/11/2024 - 11:36

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11 September 2024

Textile industry remains a priority for government

Location: News

Textile industry remains a priority for government

Due to their labour-absorbing character, the textile, clothing, footwear, leather and general goods sectors remain priority sectors for government.

These sectors have always been supported by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic), with an objective to sustain and grow employment, grow output, and enhance their competitiveness.

This is according to the Director of Leather and Footwear at the dtic, Dr Jaywant Irkhede, who was delivering a keynote address at the opening of the AllFashion Sourcing Exhibition held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre.

A group of manufacturers supported by the dtic are showcasing their proudly South African products at the exhibition.

READ | SA manufacturers to showcase products at the AllFashion Exhibition in Cape Town

The department’s support of the local manufacturers to show off their wares at the exhibition is part of a continuous support to the industry to boost sustainable job creation and to increase exports of locally manufactured products.

The show which kicked off on Tuesday, also offers the dtic an ideal opportunity to engage with a select audience of textile, clothing, footwear, leather and fashion orientated exhibitors and visitors.

Irkhede highlighted the manufacturing sector’s tenacity, resilience and the know-how that enabled the sector to withstand various internal and external economic shocks.

One of the measures that government introduced in order to mitigate the negative impact of the external shocks on the clothing and textile industry was the introduction of two trade remedies, namely the imposition of import quota on clothing imports from January 2006 to December 2008 and an increase in tariffs from 40% to the World Trade Organisation bound rate of 45% on a number of clothing product lines.

These remedies provided some relief.

“The dtic also developed Customised Sector Programmes for Clothing and Textile and Footwear and Leather sectors in consultation with the industry for stabilisation and development of the CTFL (clothing, textile, footwear and leather) sectors. A suite of measures that were introduced as part of the sector programmes contributed immensely in stabilising the sectors and improving their competitiveness,” Irkhede explained.

He said the department was currently in the process of implementing the Retail–Clothing Textile Footwear Leather Masterplan (R-CTFL Masterplan 2030).

“The R-CTFL Masterplan is aimed at encouraging structural changes in the value chain to grow the domestic market, increase purchases from domestic suppliers, access and grow export markets and enhance value chain competitiveness.

“Its vision is to develop a competitive, sustainable and dynamic R-CTFL value chain that provides its customers with compelling products and that is invested in growing employment and advancing inclusion and transformation,” he explained.

The masterplan is aimed to grow employment to 330 000 R-CTFL jobs through growing local retail sales to R250 billion, to expand local retail procurement of local CTFL products from 45% to 65%, equalling an increase from R32 billion to R 66 billion in ten years, and to improve competitiveness, technology, skills and transformation.

Irkhede added that to support the Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan, the dtic announced a Clothing, Textiles, Footwear and Leather Growth Programme in 2022.

R2.28 billion was allocated and 154 entities were supported and these employ almost 24 000 people.

“The programme is well-subscribed, indicating the demand for capital to achieve growth, import substitution, new jobs and transformation,” said Irkhede. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Wed, 09/11/2024 - 09:53

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10 September 2024

Sosibo Targets Maiden Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series Podium Finish in Joburg

Location: MyPR

Fresh off a silver medal at the ASA Cross Country Championships, Cacisile Sosibo is now focused on adding another podium finish to her accomplishments, aiming for success at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY JOBURG 10K on National Heritage Day, Tuesday, 24 September 2024. Sosibo claimed the runner-up position behind Cian Oldknow in the senior women’s …

10 September 2024

Tinywow AI – How Does It Stack Up?

Location: MyPR

With the plethora of AI tools available – each of them promising to make your life easier, richer and more fun we at MyPR have to say that we are still on the fence as to which one is our favourite. Of course if you show us one that is for free that is the …

10 September 2024

Rural food hubs to improve EC food security

Location: News

Rural food hubs to improve EC food security

The Eastern Cape Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform (DRDAR) plans to establish food hubs in rural areas, which will enable subsistence and home-based vegetable producers to collect, store and process their produce for the local market.

Unpacking the department’s food security plans for this term on Tuesday, Rural Development and Agrarian Reform MEC, Nonceba Kontsiwe, said the department will support communities to grow their own food through home-based gardens and improving food access and income.

“This initiative will focus on sustainable agriculture, water conservation, and youth entrepreneurship in rural areas. Investing in our people will reduce living costs and promote self-sufficiency, thus community resilience,” she said.

Kontsiwe noted that the department is part of a coordinated effort by the provincial government to contribute to eradicating poverty and malnutrition in the province.

She acknowledged that the department alone cannot solve the food security issue, noting that despite having various programs and initiatives, the lack of a unified strategy has led to a fragmented and less effective approach.

The Office of the Premier has coordinated government departments and agencies to develop a Provincial Food and Nutrition Security Plan, and the department’s primary goal is to guarantee food security in the province.

The MEC said the department is committed to support people to cultivate the land, regardless of its size, and produce their own food.

She said the initiative will focus on sustainable agriculture, water conservation, and youth entrepreneurship in rural areas.

According to Kontsiwe, investing in people will reduce living costs and promote self-sufficiency and community resilience.

The department is planning to expand household food production in rural and peri-urban areas on a large scale.

She said the initiative will include establishing small-scale vegetable nurseries to provide high-quality seedlings, which will reduce production costs.

“DRDAR and the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) are collaborating to support 42 000 households (30 000 from the Siyazondla Program and 12 000 from PES3) in growing their own food in the 2024/25 financial year.

“We invite all sectors of society to join us in addressing food insecurity and malnutrition in districts, metros, local municipalities, and wards. We are fast-tracking the spring water protection program to ensure villages have access to water for food production,” the MEC said.

For the 2024-25 financial year, the department plans to implement 10 spring water projects in five districts, including two in Alfred Nzo, Amathole, Chris Hani, Joe Gqabi, and OR Tambo.

The MEC highlighted that in the previous 2023/24 financial year, the department successfully completed 10 projects, installing 290 taps in 12 villages, benefiting 2 263 households and creating 729 jobs.

Embracing innovation and technology

Kontsiwe emphasised the importance of embracing innovation and technology to reduce production costs and mitigate the impact of climate change.

She said the department will this financial year launch a pilot program, which will see the installation of 14 tunnels with 3 720 climate-smart boxes in all districts and colleges.

The MEC said this initiative will allow vegetable producers to cultivate crops throughout the year in a controlled environment.

“We anticipate that this project will encourage more young people and women to engage in agriculture in our province. We invite people of all ages, including elders, churches, schools, health facilities, and traditional leaders, to support and promote community food production.

“We will collaborate with the private sector to assist households in growing their own food. These initiatives will be carefully planned, organised into projects, and implemented gradually with available resources,” the MEC said. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Tue, 09/10/2024 - 14:36

205 views

10 September 2024

Sungrow Showcases the Future of Renewable Energy in Cape Town Solar and Storage Event

Location: MyPR

Sungrow, a global leader in renewable energy solutions, is pleased to announce the resounding success of its participation in Solar & Storage Live, Cape Town’s premier renewable energy exhibition held last week. The event marked a significant milestone in Sungrow’s commitment to driving the energy transition in South Africa, showcasing the company’s advanced solar and …

10 September 2024

VFS Global and Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB) Support the Ethekwini South African Football Association (Safa) And Stellenbosch Region, With Extensive Coaching Courses

Location: Sport

VFS Global
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World-renowned football federation, the Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB) in partnership with VFS Global (www.VFSglobal.com), concluded extensive coaching courses held in Stellenbosch and in Durban earlier this year. The initiative is in line with VFS Global's community outreach initiatives across the globe with a focus on youth empowerment and skill development.

The KNVB-accredited course conducted under its WorldCoaches Programme in partnership with SAFA eThekwini, saw a total of 56 coaches from across Durban and Cape Town, with almost 50% of the participants being women. The coaches were accredited with a globally recognised certificate, as part of KNVB's WorldCoaches global drive of using football to drive social development.

The five-day workshop saw the coaches being exposed to the latest global trends of youth coaching and equipped with the necessary tools and information to be role models in their respective communities. In addition to tactical knowledge empowerment, key societal topics such as child protection, leadership, and social change formed part of the learning process for the coaches. The course hosted over 265 participating players throughout the two weeks, allowing the coaches to put together sessions they had learnt from the instructors into practice.

“This was truly an eye-opening experience for our coaches. Most of them are keen to learn and empower themselves, and thanks to such a programme, our region is not only producing future coaches. but key role models for our communities, thanks to KNVB”, said SAFA eThekwini Technical Director, Maxwell Ndlovu.

Speaking on behalf of the KNVB, instructor Bert Zuurman said the reception and eagerness shown by the coaches were encouraging and indicative of a bright youth football future for the region.

“We are honoured to share our knowledge and experience with these coaches, who are not just coaches but are now role models. Our programmes are uniquely designed to make use of football as a driver for social change, and it is important that our coaches are receptive to both the tactical and social development divisions of the programme. We wish all the coaches the best of luck, and sincerely thank SAFA eThekwini for providing us with the platform”, said Johan van Geijn, Founder of KNVB WorldCoaches.

“Through this programme, we are not only equipping coaches with the latest in football tactics but also instilling in them a sense of social responsibility. Through such initiatives that also empower young people to stay in school, we're shaping not just athletes, but future leaders by providing coaches with the tools to be role models. Our investment in South Africa underscores our dedication to youth empowerment worldwide, harnessing sports to pave the way for a brighter, more inclusive future”, added Nadia Wicks, Head of Operations- Southern Africa, VFS Global.

The goal of the WorldCoaches program is to give participants critical thinking skills and resources required to make critical decisions both on and off the field.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of VFS Global.

Media Contact:
George Cherian
Corporate Communications
VFS Global
georgec@vfsglobal.com / communications@vfsglobal.com

Further Enquiries:
Puncho Morajane
puncho@forwardzone.com
071 199 7858

About VFS Global:
As the world's leading outsourcing and technology service specialist, VFS Global embraces technological innovation including Generative AI to support governments and diplomatic missions worldwide. The company manages non-judgmental and administrative tasks related to applications for visa, passport, and consular services for its client governments, increasing productivity and enabling them to focus entirely on the critical task of assessment.

With a responsible approach to technology development, adoption and integration, the company prioritizes ethical practices and sustainability while serving as the trusted partner to 68 client governments. Operating over 3,400 Application Centres in 153 countries, VFS Global has efficiently processed more than 294 million applications since 2001.

Headquartered in Zurich and majority owned through investment funds managed by Blackstone Inc, along with the Swiss-based Kuoni and Hugentobler Foundation and EQT, VFS Global is committed to creating value for all stakeholders and leading in responsible, innovative solutions making government services more effective and efficient.

About KNVB – WorldCoaches:
WorldCoaches is a programme based on the KNVB's extensive international coaching experience and its belief that no matter where in the world, football can be used as a means for social development. Our trained WorldCoaches play a key role in this by inspiring and coaching children in their athletic and social development.

During WorldCoaches courses, youth are trained to become football coaches and role models in their own community. In doing so, the WorldCoaches programme focuses on three themes that directly contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These are: personal development, health and social cohesion. The SDGs were set by the United Nations and aim to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all. As such, through the unique and universal appeal of football, the KNVB attempts to reduce the impact of various social challenges and aims to contribute to a better society.