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Under One Roof rolls out its residential property listing service in South Africa

Location: Business
Under One Roof

Under One Roof (www.UnderOneRoof.co.za), is an entirely new concept set to solve some of the most frustrating problems encountered with other property listing websites. It introduces a homeownership resource-concentrated hub that not only presents properties for rent or sale - which uniquely also assists its clients to complete a transfer to a new owner - but also incorporates offerings that empower homeowners to make well-informed decisions about their lifestyle.

Simultaneously, Under One Roof heralds the entry of a new female real estate CEO, Lynne Krawchuk, who is set to change the traditionally heavily-male dominated property executive clique. Her decades of experience as a marketing professional give Under One Roof the edge when it comes to converting website visitors to loyal clients, putting their needs and wants ahead of merely presenting a search engine of listings.

“We are going to completely change the way properties are showcased,” says Krawchuk. “We will reveal the power of delivering an innovative property ecosystem that will optimise anyone's property journey, be that the property practitioner or agency, the buyer, seller, or renter.”

Under One Roof is something not yet seen before on existing South African property platforms, where listings and advice remain unsupported by other digital marketing strategies, and which are not catering to the different demographic markets.

“This is likely due to complacency by the dominant few property-listing players who have amassed a following due to their monopoly. As such they have created an uneven playing field that restricts the marketing efforts of, particularly, the small-, micro-, and medium-sized property players who are further compromised by the prevailing challenge of diminishing property prices and weakened purchasing power of consumers,” says Krawchuk.

The key differentiator with Under One Roof is its functionality and pricing plan. Krawchuk explains that all users, be those buyers, sellers, renters, landlords, developers, or property practitioners, are provided with a unique login aligned to their own customised backend dashboard.

“Here they can access in-depth data relevant to individual listed properties, be that municipal charges or alternative power and water solutions. Buyers and renters will be able to download walk-through video's and monitor listings they are interested in for an easy revisit or comparison.”

Estate agents and private listers will be able to monitor the number of visitors to their listings, update, and edit details, and can avail of either a three- or six-month subscription per listing with a unique twist. “If the property is sold before the subscription expires, the outstanding months of the package can be transferred to another property listing, provided the first property sale is proven. We can even upload listings if that is preferred, at no charge,” explains Krawchuk.

For buyers, especially those who either do not fully comprehend the property purchase journey or are frustrated by the number of steps in the process, Under One Roof offers to source bond origination, bridging finance, rate clearance certificates and assistance with the transfer. “This feature alone responds to an undeniably underserved market, more specifically first-time home buyers and millennials who prefer to engage a full-range service.”

The Under One Roof customer-centric approach is also going to present as a novelty, for while technology may be driving the platform, AI chatbots are not a feature. “Our research indicates that customers prefer having a human respond to online or email queries. We acknowledge that while today's customers are considered as ‘smart consumers' who may be familiar with the digital realm, chatbots have no empathy, are unable to solve critical problems, and tend to aggravate users who may have a unique request.” 

As Under One Roof grows, so too will the breadth of the platform. “Beyond the necessary features, we are concentrating on targeted demographics, where demands differ in terms of cultural and locality preferences,” says Krawchuk. “For example, in the future we will be presenting neighbourhood video visits hosted by a typical resident, and guidance manuals and features that highlight lifestyle choices. Commercial and retail properties will also be introduced.

“We believe that Under One Roof is the most intelligent, powerful, transparent, and streamlined real estate game-changer since property listings went online in the late 90s,” emphasises Krawchuk. “The team at Under One Roof is intentional about manifesting change in the market by filling the gaps that have been prevalent for too long. And, while others may think we are a disruptor, we disagree! We prefer to think of ourselves as renegades by challenging the existing, staid, and unadventurous status quo.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Under One Roof.

About Under One Roof:
Under One Roof (www.UnderOneRoof.co.za) is reinventing the property listing experience by delivering a one-to-one personalisation online platform for agents, buyers, sellers, and renters. It has developed a unique South African approach to all thing's property-focused, including lifestyle, with its presentation of a combination of digital and human interactions. Under One Roof is a compelling property hub that speaks to, and inspires, a new generation of property stakeholders.

Headquarters: Pretoria, South Africa

For more information, please visit our website: www.UnderOneRoof.co.za

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Datacentrix Showcase 2024 – A journey into the future of technology and sustainability

Location: Business

Datacentrix, a leading hybrid IT systems integrator and managed services provider, is pleased to announce that it will be hosting the next iteration of its iconic Showcase event on Thursday 22 August 2024 at Montecasino in Johannesburg. The event is proudly supported by Diamond sponsor, Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE). The full-day event promises a vibrant …

Read moreDatacentrix Showcase 2024 – A journey into the future of technology and sustainability

Managing Screen Time: A Guide For Parents

Location: MyPR

Affinity Health, a leading provider of high-quality health coverage, explores practical tips and strategies to help parents navigate the challenges of screen time management. “From learning apps and video games to social media platforms, screens are becoming an ever-present part of children’s lives,” says Murray Hewlett, CEO of Affinity Health. “While technology offers numerous benefits, …

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Nzimande to address the world’s largest astronomy meeting

Location: News

Nzimande to address the world’s largest astronomy meeting

Science, Technology and Innovation Minister, Professor Blade Nzimande, will give the opening address at the world’s largest astronomy meeting, the 32nd General Assembly of the International Astronomy Union (IAU). 

The two week-long meeting will kick off on Tuesday, 6 August, in Cape Town, South Africa.  

Hosted for the first time in Africa, the in-person and virtual global gathering of astronomers and other experts in the field will also provide open access for anyone to attend from anywhere in the world. 

According to the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI), world-renowned astronomers Dr Mae Jemison and Dr Sian Proctor will address the assembly.  

Jemison became the first female African American commercial astronaut and mission pilot to travel into space when she went into orbit aboard the National Administration and Space Administration’s (NASA) Space Shuttle Endeavour on 12 September 1992. 

Proctor is an astronaut and was the first female pilot of a commercial spaceship. 

The department said the two renowned experts will speak to over 2 000 astronomers from around the world at this event, which takes place at the Cape Town International Convention Centre. 

“The assembly is an opportunity for astronomers to address key topics in contemporary astronomy and assess the latest scientific progress in various specialised areas,” the statement read. 

This year’s General Assembly represents a significant milestone, highlighting Africa’s growing role in the global astronomical community and its potential for major contributions to astronomical research and development.  

Meanwhile, the Minister’s address will underscore the commitment to advance Africa’s astronomy and science on the global stage as well as highlight South Africa’s massive investments in skills and infrastructure development.

His speech will also touch on the geographical advantages of clear southern skies in the Karoo, its engineering and scientific base, and its growing international ranking and partnerships.  

“One highlight will be the opportunity for attendees to speak to the astronauts on board the International Space Station live from the conference venue via ham radio, in partnership with Amateur Radio on the International Space Station.” 

Other guests include the former director of the Square Kilometre Array (SKA), Dr Bernie Fanaroff, who will deliver a talk on ‘Innovating at the periphery: the development of SKA and MeerKAT’. 

The IAU General Assembly is held every three years and is led by the African Astronomical Society.  

Each event advances the astronomical sciences through international collaboration and celebrates Africa's rich astronomical heritage and commitment to advancing the field. 

The hybrid event is being hosted by the National Research Foundation, supported by the DSI.  

The academic programme will include over 2 000 presentations scheduled across more than 300 sessions. 

The General Assembly will include six symposia and 12 multi-session focus meetings. There will also be poster sessions and prize lectures given by recipients of prestigious awards in astronomy.  

According to the department, this meeting will have a societal impact that goes beyond national barriers in a continent-wide celebration of astrology. 

Exhibitors will include the South Africa Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO), the South African Astronomical Observatory, NASA, the European Space Agency and the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan, the US National Radio Astronomy Observatory, and several South African agencies. – SAnews.gov.za

 

Gabisile
Mon, 08/05/2024 - 11:26

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iSchoolAfrica Education Trust Celebrates 15 Years of Transforming Education in South Africa

Location: News
iSchoolAfrica

On 1 August 2024, iSchoolAfrica (www.iSchoolAfrica.com) proudly commemorates 15 years of driving educational change across South Africa. Since its inception, iSchoolAfrica has leveraged the world's best technology and educational practices to reduce inequalities, enhance opportunities for exceptional employment, and stimulate economic growth. 

iSchoolAfrica's 15 years of success and sustainability stem from an unwavering commitment to making quality technology affordable and accessible. A key element of the programme is the rotation of mobile iPad labs from classroom to classroom – ensuring accessibility, security, longevity, usability, and durability. 

The technology solution has a remarkable 5% failure rate, which demonstrates the reliability and durability of their technology. With iPads lasting an estimated 5-6 years within school environments, iSchoolAfrica ensures minimal downtime in schools, contributing to uninterrupted learning and significant cost savings on technical support. This is boosted by the iPads' Mobile Device Management system, which allows for quick and easy remote support. 

By upskilling and empowering project champions to execute programs independently, iSchoolAfrica ensures lasting, impactful education solutions with zero compromise on quality and best practices. The fact that there is no compromise gives educators and learners alike the confidence that they matter and this is seen through the improved engagement and performance of the students. 

“Over the last 15 years, against all odds we've achieved some incredible things, inspiring teachers to love their jobs again, helping children discover their love of learning through iPad lessons, while sparking hope for countless young learners' futures,“ says Michelle Lissoos, Executive Director of iSchoolAfrica. 

Through strategic collaborations with partners, iSchoolAfrica equips South Africa's youth with the tools needed to thrive. The initiative focuses on under-resourced township and rural schools, from Early Childhood Development (ECD) to Grade 12, including mainstream and special needs education. Each school receives a secure mobile lab of 20 iPads, loaded with curriculum software and teacher training and mentoring. The built-in accessibility features of iPads also support children with disabilities, ensuring inclusive education for all. 

Another key aspect to iSchoolAfrica's endurance has been the partnerships it has formed along the way. Growthpoint is one such long-term partner, having supported over 25 schools since 2014.  

Commenting on their involvement, head of Growthpoint CSR Shawn Theunissen, says: “In order for us to provide support for education, we also needed to ensure that we provide a digital solution. You want to ensure that you are future proofing the youth of South Africa.”  

Since its launch, iSchoolAfrica has reached all nine provinces in South Africa, impacting 341 schools and training over 3,000 teachers  — impacting over 100,000 learners. Later this year, in partnership with the Imbeleko Foundation, they plan to launch the first Apple Training Authorised Centre in Africa, located in rural Kwa-Zulu Natal. 

Key Educational Programmes 

iSchoolAfrica is focused on four key educational programmes. These include: 

1. Early Learning 
Recognising the critical importance of a child's early years, iSchoolAfrica integrates technology into preschool and Grade R to help teachers address core developmental skills essential for young learners. The Early Learning Programme supports the NCF and CAPS curriculum frameworks through interactive social stories and learn-through-play activities. 

2. Numeracy and Literacy 
iSchoolAfrica addresses South Africa's literacy and numeracy crisis by ensuring learners grasp foundational skills. Partnering with the Unlocking Talent Through Technology Initiative, iSchoolAfrica brings the one billion numeracy programme to primary schools, achieving an average increase of 15% in numeracy results since 2009.  

3. Disability and Inclusion 
The Inclusion Programme provides solutions for children with various disabilities, including autism, low vision, and cerebral palsy. With 36 special needs schools, iSchoolAfrica has the distinction of having the first Apple Distinguished Special Needs School in the world. Collaborations with CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation SA and CORE have also helped introduce iPads to hospital schools in Gauteng, supporting paediatric oncology patients' education during treatment. 

“We have seen a total change in the nature of our learners. They have become a lot more disciplined, creative and enthusiastic. Our kids now have a sense of pride. It empowers them,” says Ishwarlal Reggie, Deputy Principal, MCK Special School. 

4. Coding and Robotics 
Empowering learners to become innovators, leaders, and builders of their futures, iSchoolAfrica introduces coding and robotics through Apple's Everyone Can Code Curriculum. This program, spanning from ECD to higher education, exposes learners to coding and app design via interactive puzzles and code walkthroughs. 

“As iSchoolAfrica celebrates this milestone, our commitment to educational excellence and reducing inequalities remains stronger than ever. We look forward to continuing this journey of empowering South Africa's youth and transforming the educational landscape for years to come,” concludes Lissoos. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of iSchoolAfrica.

NOTE TO EDITORS 

MEDIA CONTACT:
Ima Peter
+27 11 268 6388
ima.peter@razorpr.co.za

About iSchoolAfrica:
Since 2009, iSchoolAfrica has provided over 100 000 South African learners, from ECD to Grade 12, with state-of-the-art technology and education practices. Together with our partners, school leaders and educators, we have changed teaching and learning in the most under resourced and vulnerable communities across South Africa, giving youth the opportunity to learn, create and succeed.

Impact and Awards
· Active in nine provinces
· 341 schools in the programme
· 300+ trained teachers
· 200+ rural youth facilitators
· 500+ trained media changemakers
• 22 Excellence in Education Awards
• 2023 Foundation Disability Empowerment Award
• 2023 Gauteng Women's Excellence Award for Innovation
• 2018 New Generation Award
• 2017 Eduweek Award, Inclusion

Programmes
• Early Learning
• Numeracy and Literacy
• Disability and Inclusion
• Coding and Robotics
• Media Changemaker

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Appeal for more organ donors

Location: News

Appeal for more organ donors

The Department of Health has appealed to citizens to sign up to become organ and tissue donors in a bid to improve someone’s quality of life or even save someone’s life, especially those who are very sick or dying from a life-threatening disease or organ failure. 

“Organ donation is when organs such as the heart, lungs, liver and kidneys are removed from one person and transplanted into another person,” the department explained, adding that one donor can save up to seven lives and transform over 50 lives.

Meanwhile, tissue donation is when tissues in the body such as skin, corneas and bone are removed from one person and transplanted into another person.

It is estimated that over 2 500 people are on the active waiting list for organ and tissue donation, while others lose their lives while waiting to receive a lifesaving gift. 

“Currently, organ donors are in very short supply because of limited knowledge amongst citizens,” the department said.

The department, in collaboration with various non-governmental organisations, said they will use the month of August as part of Organ and Tissue Donation Awareness Month.

According to the department, anyone aged 18 years or older can become an organ or tissue donor without expecting financial reward, and subject themselves to certain medical conditions that require one to wait or be physically well. 

“One can donate organs such as the kidney and liver lobe and continue to live a normal and healthy life because organs like the liver regenerate over time.”

However, it is illegal in South Africa and other parts of the world for anyone to sell or trade human organs or tissues as that can perpetuate organ and human trafficking.

“An organ transplant takes place in both government and private hospitals after an individual has been declared circulatory (heart stopped beating) or brain dead, but is still being supported by artificial life support. 

“The tissue donation and retrieval can still take place several hours and even days after death, but consent from the loved ones must be given.” 

Potential donors can go to their nearest public or private hospital to ask for assistance on the steps to follow for one to donate, alternatively, call the Organ Donor Foundation on 0800 22 66 11 or visit www.odf.org.za. 

Those interested can also contact the SA Bone Marrow Registry at 021 447 8630 or the Centre for Tissue Engineering at Tshwane University of Technology at 012 349 3500 or visit www.tissuedonation.org.za. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Fri, 08/02/2024 - 09:37

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How To Manage Resilient MRO Supply Chains

Location: MyPR

Maintaining a resilient supply chain for Maintenance, Repair, and Operations (MRO) is crucial for businesses across various sectors In today’s fast-changing and unpredictable world, maintaining a resilient supply chain for Maintenance, Repair, and Operations (MRO) is crucial for businesses across various sectors. The goal is not just to withstand disruptions but to adapt and thrive …

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Exness strengthens Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) regulatory status with Over-the-Counter Derivative Provider (ODP) license acquisition

Location: Business
Exness

Exness (https://apo-opa.co/3LKDl87), one of the largest multi-asset retail brokers in the world, has announced that it has reached yet another significant regulatory milestone. The Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) has granted the company an ‘Over-the-Counter Derivative Provider' (ODP) license in South Africa, broadening its license portfolio.

This achievement underscores Exness' dedication to client security, high regulatory standards, and transparency within the South African market.

The ODP license mandates stringent risk management protocols, and reporting standards, providing clients with an extra layer of protection in the trading environment. This enhanced regulatory status further reinforces Exness' position as a trusted broker for local traders.

Paul Margarites, Exness Regional Commercial Director, said, "The ODP license acquisition signifies a significant stepping stone for Exness in South Africa. Our promise to provide a frictionless trading experience doesn't stop at trading conditions and a seamless client journey but extends to robust safety and security measures that put our clients first. In today's online trading landscape adherence to the FSCA's stringent standards ensures that our South African clients have an extra layer of peace of mind when trading with Exness.”

Exness uses technology and ethics to raise the industry benchmark and create favourable conditions for traders. It offers clients a frictionless trading experience through its superior proprietary platform and unique market protections, allowing traders to experience how the markets should be.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Exness.

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HYPROP MTN SHIFT Tournament Highlights Following Exciting Gaming Weekend at Woodlands Boulevard

Location: Entertainment, MyPR

Round five of the 2024 HYPROP MTN SHIFT Gaming Experience took place at Woodlands Boulevard in the City of Tshwane, from 19 to 21 July 2024. The country’s biggest mall-based gaming showdown turned into a magnet for the region’s most devoted gamers, who came together for a weekend packed with epic battles and a sense …

Read moreHYPROP MTN SHIFT Tournament Highlights Following Exciting Gaming Weekend at Woodlands Boulevard

Social Department reaffirms its commitment to protecting children from trafficking

Location: News

Social Department reaffirms its commitment to protecting children from trafficking

The Department of Social Development (DSD) has reaffirmed its commitment to combating human trafficking, focusing on the protection of children as the world commemorates World Day Against Trafficking in Persons.

This year’s theme focuses on leaving no child behind in the fight against human trafficking.

The World Day Against Trafficking in Persons is observed annually on 30 July to raise awareness about human trafficking and to promote and protect the rights of trafficking victims.

The department has since taken the time to remind South Africans especially caregivers about the prevalence of human trafficking and appeal for their vigilance when it comes to protecting children.

Citing the June 2023 publication by the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC), the department said it was estimated that a possible 250 000 people have fallen victim to human trafficking in South Africa alone.

“This serves as a grave violation of human rights and dignity. On this World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, the Department of Social Development stands united against this heinous crime,” the department said.

According to the department, children represent a significant proportion of trafficking victims worldwide, with girls being disproportionately affected.

In terms of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime’s Global Report on Trafficking in Persons, children are twice as likely to face violence during trafficking than adults.

Sub-Saharan Africa, North Africa, and the Caribbean, according to the department, make up 60% of detected trafficking victims.

“In addition to conflicts, pandemics, economic hardships, and environmental challenges, the proliferation of online platforms poses risks as children often connect to these sites without adequate protection.”

The department explained that traffickers exploit online platforms, social media, and the dark web to recruit and exploit children.

They also use technology to evade detection, reach wider audiences, and disseminate exploitative content.

“Countries including South Africa, are required to prioritise child protection, bolster legislation, improve law enforcement, and allocate more resources to combat child trafficking.”

The department has since called for prevention efforts to target root causes of human trafficking such as poverty and inequality to reduce children’s vulnerability with special attention paid to trafficking of children on the move or in transit.

According to the department, South Africa remains a source, transit, and destination country for men, women and children subjected to the crime of trafficking for forced labour and sexual exploitation.

“This means South Africans are being trafficked to other parts of the globe while the country is also used by traffickers to harbour victims in transit to other countries where they are going to be exploited.

“Victims of trafficking are also brought into the country to be exploited.”

Meanwhile, traffickers are said to control victims through deception, intimidation, threats, use of force, withholding of passports, debt bondage, and forced use of drugs and alcohol.

The department has described the Prevention and Combating of Trafficking in Persons Act (PACOTIP) of 2013 as a critical legislative tool in South Africa’s fight against human trafficking.

The South African government, through the Department of Social Development has implemented various measures to prevent child trafficking. The PACOTIP Act aims to align with international agreements and provides for the prosecution of traffickers, protection of victims, and coordination of anti-trafficking efforts.

The Department of Social Development’s Gyan Dwarika said the significance of the PACOTIP Act, in conjunction with the Children’s Act, in safeguarding vulnerable children and ensuring their rights and safety are upheld.

“The Act ensures that any child identified as a victim of trafficking is treated as a child in need of care and protection mandates immediate reporting and investigation of suspected cases, and provides for the safe placement and care of trafficked children,” Dwarika said.

Dwarika’s roles in the department include focusing on child labour, commercial sexual exploitation of children, online safety, and child marriages.

The department said they also offer victims of child trafficking comprehensive support and rehabilitation services.

These include psychological counselling, medical care, legal assistance, and placement in Child and Youth Care Centres (CYCCs).

She said community involvement was crucial in preventing and combating child trafficking.

“International cooperation strengthens the response to the repatriation process of children trafficked into and out of South Africa. It ensures that children are repatriated safely and in line with international standards, considering factors like the best interests of the child and the safety of the repatriation process.”

Victims are also placed in accredited shelters where they are cared for by shelter staff and social workers to determine if they were trafficked.

Through the Criminal Assets Recovery Account (CARA) fund, the department is procuring a fleet of 10 vehicles to be distributed to gender-based violence (GBV) shelters accredited to accommodate victims across all nine provinces.

The Western Cape has partnered with the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa) to create awareness at the Cape Town bus rank. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Tue, 07/30/2024 - 15:11

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Welo – Using technology to enable human healthcare connections

Location: MyPR

In the world of entrepreneurship, the most remarkable stories often begin with a personal challenge. For Zanele Matome, Founder and CEO of Welo, that challenge is the lack of affordable access to healthcare services for an overwhelming majority of South Africans. Having spent 15 years in the construction and mining sectors, Matome saw firsthand the …

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Credipple bridges the gap between talent and opportunity in the digital age

Location: MyPR

The story of Credipple is one of innovation meeting a critical need. Founded by Kgololo Lekoma (CEO), Lethabo Sekhu (COO) and Sibusiso Manentsa (Founder) in 2017, Credipple bridges the gap between skilled professionals, and businesses seeking trustworthy digital talent. The inspiration behind the platform came from the founders witnessing their university peers struggling to access …

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Enriching lives: A Guiding Principle

Location: News
MultiChoice Group

By Fhulu Badugela, CEO of Multichoice Africa (www.MultiChoice.com)

As MultiChoice published its annual ESG report earlier this month, I was struck by the aptness of the term sometimes used in relation to such documents: integrated reporting. Integration is fundamental to any kind of environmental, social and governance (ESG) impact. 

MultiChoice Group has had three decades to find that particular sweet spot, refining its formula of enriching lives, while transforming African entertainment and broader society. 

The beauty of the approach can be seen in the way key business touchpoints dovetail with ESG principles. 

By way of illustration, the MultiChoice commitment to hyperlocal storytelling has meant a need to create homegrown, locally relevant content. This in turn has led MultiChoice to create regional MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF) academies in Nairobi, Lagos and Lusaka, training aspiring filmmakers.  

Not only has this created a rich pipeline of authentic talent, it has built a vast library of local content. This fuels the ongoing success of MultiChoice as an entertainment platform, where Africa's people can see African creators telling African stories. 

Social upliftment 
In ESG parlance, this supports the social-development pillar. To date, 467 filmmakers have been trained by the MTF. These young people have gone on to work on hit African shows on regional channels across the continent.  

In East Africa, graduates secured story development grants, gained acclaim at international film festivals and showcased their commitment to environmental consciousness by presenting at the Youth and Climate Action meeting. 

In West Africa, Azeezah Sama, produced by a student from the class of 2023, was selected for prestigious film festivals such as the Toronto International Nollywood Film Festival. Africa Magic commissioned productions from three MTF alumni companies, generating employment opportunities and amplifying the programme's impact in the region. 

Meanwhile, in Southern Africa, MTF alumni feature films have premiered on Zambezi Magic, and interns have contributed to more than 30 professional productions, including hit shows like Idols, Adulting, My Brother's Keeper, Champions, and Gen Zee. 

Economic impact 
Besides skills development, MultiChoice makes direct investments in job creation and economic empowerment for emerging economic sectors. The MultiChoice Enterprise Development Trust oversees two key initiatives aimed at fostering the growth of startups and small enterprises: the Innovation Fund and the Africa Accelerator programme. 
 
To date, the MultiChoice Innovation Fund has supported 77 black-owned small businesses with at least 50% female-black ownership and disbursed R407 million in loans, grants and business development expenses. This has created 1 400 employment opportunities.  

Last year, the MultiChoice Accelerator programme helped 11 entrepreneurs from South Africa to secure more than $17 million in investments from investors in the United Arab Emirates. 

Also last year, the Enterprise Development Fund funded four new tech-related companies, including two owned by black women, to the tune of R26.74 million, creating 395 jobs. 

Developmental governance 
Integrated ESG principles mean that the crucial MultiChoice governance function must also have a developmental role, while still enabling the business generate value for all stakeholders.  

That means ethical, developmental governance. The Group inculcates these principles in our people through mandatory training – anti-bribery, ethical conduct; and “better place to work” training on the MultiChoice Academy platform. 

Another of the company's biggest governance focus areas is the fight against content piracy, which poses a significant threat to the business and the wider industry. With Partners Against Piracy (PAP), MultiChoice has signed Memorandums of Understanding with governments across Africa to combat broadcasting piracy.  

The MOUs establish partnerships for capacity building, benchmarking, and experience sharing, as well as intellectual-property rights protection, training, and skills development. In addition, a multi-governmental workshop in mid-2024 will review piracy policies and actions, with an eye to amending cybercrime legislation. 

Environmental awareness 
Deeply conscious of how our operations impact the environment, MultiChoice takes direct steps to limit our emissions and energy efficiency – but always in ways that can be integrated into our ways of doing business.  

We have taken proactive steps to enhance energy efficiency in our electricity consumption, air-conditioning systems, data centres, heating and ventilation. We have invested in green infrastructure, including installing light motion sensors within buildings, LEDs equipped with daylight harvesting capabilities, solar panels and energy-efficient inverter technology.  

These initiatives have seen us reduce total Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions to 67 675 tonnes of CO2 equivalent from 75 060 tonnes in 2023, a tangible move towards sustainability and responsible resource management through more eco-friendly operations. 

We have managed to make these sustainability improvements in ways that continue to generate income for the group. The R10,7 billion we pay in taxes in 2024 underlines our integration into the continent's economy.  

Ultimately, the proof of our ESG impact will be in our ability to continue operating sustainably, into the future, in a way that enriches lives for all the people we touch.  

We are proud to have met this challenge successfully for the past three decades, and we are confident we will continue doing so for decades to come, by integrating our purpose – enriching lives – into our way of doing business. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of MultiChoice Group.

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The Awareness Company: Transforming Sustainability Through Data

Location: MyPR

The Awareness Company, founded by Priaash Ramadeen, Shazia Vawda, and Estelle Lubbe, brings together nearly six decades of collective experience in fields ranging from border control and defense to municipal processes and conservation. Their situational awareness software has been instrumental in protecting over 10,000 rhinos, utilized by more than 200 organizations worldwide. Ramadeen highlights the …

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Concern over labour inequality

Location: News

Concern over labour inequality

The Labour Ministers of South Africa, Brazil and Spain have expressed concern that labour inequality remains an unmet challenge in many societies across the world.

“The only way to address this challenge properly is to abandon traditional models and responses, such as those favouring deregulation and market-based solutions, that have already been proven not to work and to accept that an expansive social response must be consensual and shared. 

"Thus, in an expression of strengthened cooperation from three different continents, the Labour Ministers of Brazil, South Africa and Spain seek to advance towards a fairer distribution of the products of labour at a global level, adopting a common approach to tackling this problem that reflects our collective commitment to expanding labour rights the world over,” said the Ministers in a joint statement on Friday.

Luiz Marinho is Minister of Labour and Employment of Brazil and South Africa’s Minister of Employment and Labour is Nomakhosazana Meth.

Yolanda Díaz is the Second Vice-President and Minister of Labour and Social Economy of Spain.

The Ministers comments come on the occasion of the G20 Labour Ministers’ Meeting in Fortaleza.
The three leaders said the decline in labour share has been observed in many of the world’s economies, particularly since the wave of neo-conservatism in the 1980s. 

The term "labour share" refers to the proportion of national income allocated to workers in the form of labour compensation, as opposed to that going to capital owners. The decline means that a smaller share of economic income is reaching workers, with most of it being distributed as returns to capital. 
They said the undesired effects of a digital transition at the service of the few, labour flexibility and deregulation policies, and painful and ineffective austerity measures are just some of the causes behind this worrying trend.

“Such developments sometimes result in the delocalisation of production, in the absence of social dialogue and trade union participation, in the growing precariousness of working conditions, in an imbalance in collective bargaining that gives rise to low salaries or to fiscal policies that prioritize capital over work, or restrict natural growth in salaries.  Neither Brazil, South Africa nor Spain is unaffected by these trends.”

In Brazil, the recovery of the economy following the COVID-19 pandemic has been underscored by positive milestones, including robust growth of gross domestic product (GDP) and improvements in employment metrics.

Despite these positive results, enduring challenges persist within the Brazilian labour market. According to the International Labour Organisation (ILO), Brazil exhibited very slight productivity growth between 2015 and 2023 (an annual average of 0.1%), while real wages fell 6.9 % in 2023.

South Africa’s labour market is also a prime example of declining labour share. Real wages have shown significant fluctuations, failing to keep pace with steady productivity growth.

“This has led to a situation where workers are not proportionally benefiting from the wealth they help create. The volatility of real wage growth compared to productivity underscores the disparity, which has been further exacerbated by shocks like the COVID-19 pandemic, which severely impacted economic growth, job stability, and both productivity and wage levels, leading to declining living standards and economic inequality for many South Africans.”

These disruptions highlight the vulnerability of workers' livelihoods and contribute to widening labour inequality.

In Spain, productivity growth over the past few decades has been sluggish, with certain significant exceptions such as the upturn seen in 2022. However, salaries have grown at a considerably lower rate than corporate profit.

Overcoming challenges

“In order to expand labour rights, our countries must overcome at least four fundamental challenges. Firstly, we must continue to raise wages. Real wages are growing at a far slower pace than productivity. As we have already demonstrated, abandoning neoliberalism and embracing policies aimed at increasing labour compensation —and in particular the legal minimum wage— contributes decisively to ensuring that productivity gains are distributed to workers, reducing inequality and the scourge of the gender pay gap. We are committed to doing what we know to work.”

The Ministers said that while substantial progress has been made in terms of equality and diversity in the world of work, there are major challenges that must still be overcome in order to ensure that all people —irrespective of their gender, race, sexual orientation or gender identity— enjoy equal opportunities, fair treatment and decent working conditions.

“Thirdly, the digital transition must be just, and workers’ individual and collective rights must be safeguarded throughout. We must make certain that digitalisation is placed at the service of decent work and not the other way around, ensuring that the use of technology makes human work less onerous.

“Fourthly and lastly, we must combine our efforts to strengthen collective bargaining, halting, once and for all, the continuing decline in its coverage rate across the world. In this regard, we have trust in social dialogue as a powerful tool for mutual understanding and collaboration and thus as a means of achieving better living and working conditions.”

“This is why, today, the Labour Ministries of Brazil, South Africa and Spain —reaching across the traditional and antiquated North-South divide— have agreed to establish a permanent and strengthened framework of collaboration and exchange on social and labour matters between our countries.”

According to the Ministers, the framework will guide policies in defence of increasing labour participation to ensure that workers receive a just share in national wealth.

“In short, Brazil, Spain and South Africa will advance towards a new labour international, a global alliance that is fully aware that the major challenges to be overcome —the climate crisis, rising inequality, the erosion of democracies— must be tackled by expanding labour rights, and not by cutting them,” said the Ministers in the joint statement. -SAnews.gov.za

 

Edwin
Sun, 07/28/2024 - 12:40

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The Evolution of Computer Peripherals: Enhancing Your Digital Experience

Location: MyPR

Introduction In today’s fast-paced digital world, computer peripherals play a crucial role in enhancing user experience. From basic input devices to advanced storage solutions, these accessories are indispensable for both personal and professional use.   What Are Computer Peripherals?   Computer peripherals are external devices that connect to a computer to add functionality. These include …

Read moreThe Evolution of Computer Peripherals: Enhancing Your Digital Experience

President Ramaphosa signs Public Procurement Bill into law

Location: News

President Ramaphosa signs Public Procurement Bill into law

President Cyril Ramaphosa has assented into law the Public Procurement Bill, which aims to create a single framework that regulates public procurement, including preferential procurement, by all organs of state, with the necessary efficiency, cost-effectiveness and integrity.

“The President has assented to the Public Procurement Bill which complies with the stipulation in Section 217 of the Constitution that [the] contracting of goods and services by organs of state in all spheres of government must occur in accordance with a system which is fair, equitable, transparent, competitive and cost-effective; and that national legislation must prescribe a framework within which a procurement policy must be implemented,” said the Presidency.

As enacted by the President, the Public Procurement Act addresses weaknesses in the procurement of goods and services by organs of state that have in the past enabled various degrees of corruption, including state capture.
The Act also responds to the acknowledgement that legislation regulating procurement by organs of state is fragmented and constrains justified advancement of persons or categories of persons who could provide goods or services.

The Act establishes a single framework that regulates public procurement, including preferential procurement, by all organs of state and promotes the use of technology for efficiency and effectiveness. The law seeks to enhance transparency and integrity, among others, to combat corruption, ensure efficient, effective and economic use of public resources and advance transformation and broadened economic participation.

It foresees that economic development will be stimulated through the procurement of goods that are produced and services that are provided in South Africa, as well as procurement that is developmental in nature.

The Public Procurement Act, which will be administered by the Minister of Finance, applies to departments, constitutional institutions, municipalities, municipal entities, and public entities.

There are also a limited number of clauses which apply to Parliament and provincial legislatures.

The Act applies to all procurement carried out by a procurement institution (including procurement through donor or grant funding) any person who submits a bid or has been awarded a bid and all procurement carried out by any person on behalf of a procuring institution.

Among its wide-ranging provisions, the Act lists persons who may not submit bids including a public office bearer, employees of Parliament or provincial legislatures, and officials or employees of, among others, public entities, constitutional institutions, municipalities and municipal entities. – SAnews.gov.za
 
 

Edwin
Thu, 07/25/2024 - 10:39

487 views
Read morePresident Ramaphosa signs Public Procurement Bill into law

Dept of Tourism informs public of ICT service outage

Location: News

Dept of Tourism informs public of ICT service outage

The Department of Tourism has cautioned stakeholders and the public from accepting emails from the department's domain, until the widespread information and communication technology (ICT) service outage the department is currently experiencing, has been resolved. 

“The Department of Tourism would like to inform stakeholders and the public of a service outage that is causing wide spread disruptions to telephone lines, emails and website related services. Our ICT team is working diligently to restore all services,” the department said in a statement on Wednesday.

“Updates will be communicated once services have been restored,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za
 

Edwin
Thu, 07/25/2024 - 09:41

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Africa Data Centres announces additional 6MW capacity now live in Cape Town

Location: News
Africa Data Centres

Africa Data Centres (www.AfricaDataCentres.com), a business of Cassava Technologies, a pan-African technology group, has announced it is expanding its CPT1 facility in Cape Town.

This expansion shows the data centre giant adding three new state-of-the-art halls in new areas on the campus and adds another 6MW of IT load, effectively doubling its current capacity. The new expansion was implemented with support from the United States through an up to $300 million loan from the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) to Africa Data Centres.

According to Hardy Pemhiwa, President & Group CEO of Cassava, “This expansion by Africa Data Centres is in response to the increasing demand for co-location capacity in South Africa. Not only is Cape Town the second largest economy in South Africa, but it is also the de facto software and technology hub in Southern Africa.”

The company is seeing tremendous growth in the data centre market in South Africa generally, as both national and international cloud and IT service providers seek to expand their footprints in the region.

In terms of size, the expansion adds 1000 racks of white space or the space available for customers to lease, although the physical site is significantly larger than that. It is made up of two more colocation data halls and one hyperscale hall.

The additional halls are built in the cutting-edge modular design pioneered by Africa Data Centres, which enables rapid scalability and a modern design that allows the facility to be populated as and when required to suit the needs of the customer.

Pemhiwa says this would not have been possible without the support of the Ministry of ICT, Western Cape Provincial Government and the Western Cape Department of Economic Development. “I would like to acknowledge their ongoing support, as we expand our data centre facilities in South Africa.”

The new halls feature the same cutting-edge security standards and focus on the elements that matter most to clients, including scalability, flexibility, and energy efficiency, to bring world-class, affordable solutions to all its clients in the area. This data centre is highly flexible and designed to accommodate different and evolving customer demands.

Additionally, this data centre boasts hybrid cooling technology capable of handling both air cooling and liquid cooling. Despite its versatility, no compromises were made on efficiency. It is one of the most efficient and sustainable data centres ever built in South Africa. It is powered by renewable energy, boasts a Water Usage Effectiveness of 0 due to no water consumption for the IT infrastructure, and has an impressive Power Usage Effectiveness rating as well.

The Africa Data Centres' CPT1 facility is at the forefront of pioneering the use of wheeled solar power in the market. This innovation is enabled through a 20-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) signed in March last year with Distributed Power Africa, part of the Cassava Technologies group. Africa Data Centres is the first company to successfully implement this groundbreaking technology in Africa, marking it the continent's first project of its kind.

“The introduction of wheeled solar power at the CPT1 facility offers significant benefits to our' customers, providing a truly sustainable data centre solution. As the demand for data continues to skyrocket across Africa, a continent where power supply is often intermittent, the need for reliable, cost-effective, and green power has never been more critical,” said Finhai Munzara, Interim CEO of Africa Data Centres.

By harnessing renewable energy, he says the CPT1 facility not only ensures consistent power supply but also supports sustainable operations, helping customers achieve their environmental goals. “Our state-of-the-art facility reduces reliance on non-renewable energy sources, setting a new standard for sustainability in the data centre industry.”

Munzara adds that Cape Town is an excellent location for colocation facilities as it is a stone's throw away from all the submarine cable landing stations. In addition, the Cape Town facility houses the Cape Town Internet Exchange (CINX), which makes multi-region peering more accessible, efficient, and easy to manage. This also facilitates direct connections between networks, enabling data to flow more efficiently and reducing latency, giving our users a faster, more responsive online experience.

In ending, Munzara says the expansion increases the capacity of the company's data centres in South Africa and it is an integral part of its investment plans to deliver several additional data facilities across the continent.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Data Centres.

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About Africa Data Centres: 
Africa Data Centres owns and operates Africa's largest network of interconnected, carrier and cloud-neutral data centre facilities. Bringing international experts to the pan-African market, Africa Data Centres is a trusted partner for rapid and secure data centre services and interconnections across Africa. Strategically located in South, East and West Africa our world-class data centre facilities provide a home for all business-critical data for Africa's small, medium and large enterprises and global hyper scale customers. https://www.AfricaDataCentres.com/

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SA to work with Palestine in research, technology and innovation programme

Location: News

SA to work with Palestine in research, technology and innovation programme

Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) Minister, Professor Blade Nzimande,  has announced a new programme to foster cooperation in science, technology and innovation (STI) between South Africa and war-torn Palestine. 

“The programme will also have a special focus support for safeguarding, rebuilding, and developing Palestine’s research and innovation capacities and infrastructure,” Nzimande explained on Tuesday.

According to the Minister, the decision was made following a series of collaborations between the two nations. 

These include a joint research project, seed funding for developing South African–Palestinian knowledge networks, the hosting of Palestinian scholars and students in South Africa in exchange programmes and sharing South African policy experience regarding science policy and system development.

The Minister, delivering his 2024/25 Budget Vote, stated that the programme aligns with the department’s strategic objective of using science diplomacy to foster human solidarity, and social justice, and support the country’s foreign policy.

“This new programme will be implemented by our entity the NRF [National Research Foundation] and will be funded from the department’s existing budget for international cooperation,” he told Members of Parliament (MPs). 

Vaccines
 

For the 2024/25 financial year, the department experienced a budget cut, which was adjusted to R10 562 billion from R10 874 billion in 2023/24. 

“I am honoured to be delivering the first Budget Vote of the Department of Science and Innovation, under the seventh administration, in the same year we celebrate 30 years of democracy. 

“In these 30 years, our country has made tremendous strides in science, technology, and innovation,” he added. 

He highlighted some of the achievements under the previous administration, which he believes have laid a foundation for deepening work in the new government.  

This includes a new Vaccine Manufacturing Strategy (VIMS) to promote domestic design, development and production of vaccines.

Through VIMS, the department targeted vaccine development to fight the Rift Valley fever (RVF), human papillomavirus (HPV), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and the hepatitis B virus. 

Working with the World Health Organisation (WHO), government also set up capacity for the local development of mRNA vaccines in response to future Coronavirus threats. 

Hydrogen economy 

Nzimande also touched on the hydrogen economy, which was specifically referenced by President Cyril Ramaphosa in his Opening of Parliament Address (OPA) last Thursday. 

“The DSI is leading major innovations to promote the transition to green hydrogen as an alternative source of energy to fuel our economy and to facilitate a net-zero energy future,” he explained.  

In 2023/24, they also provided R53 million as an initial investment to support women-led small, medium, and micro-enterprises (SMMEs) in the hydrogen economy. 

Achievements

A national solar research facility was also established by the government to enable localisation and technology transfer in support of the Cannabis Industrialisation Masterplan and the Renewable Energy Masterplan. 

“Arising from this, it is pleasing to report that the CSIR [Council for Scientific and Industrial Research] graduated 23 SMMEs with two commercial value-added products each.” 

The Minister also highlighted the role of the department in leading scientific and technological advancements in the field of astronomy, particularly in the construction of the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) project, which is poised to become the world’s biggest-ever radio telescope array. 

In the area of agro-processing and farmer development in the 2023/24 period, the department provided 1 480 black emerging farmers with technology development support. 
 

New growth industries

Building on the successes of the sixth administration, the Minister said they remain committed to ensuring the sustainability of existing businesses in the agricultural, manufacturing and mining sectors and supporting the development of new growth industries. 

“STI is also about transforming the socio-economic conditions of working-class communities in townships and rural areas.”

He also touched on the Mandela Mining Precinct, a public-private partnership between the DSI and the Minerals Council of South Africa aimed at revitalising mining research, development and innovation to ensure the sustainability of the industry.

As part of building a capable State, he said his department has begun establishing an Earth Observation Data Centre to provide decision support tools for government in fire and flood mapping, food security monitoring, human settlements mapping, forest mapping, disaster management, climate change and water resources management. 

In addition, he told Parliament that government was looking at ways of raising gross expenditure on research and development (GERD) equal to 1.5% of the gross domestic product (GDP) by 2030/31. 

“Our challenges notwithstanding, we present this budget as our commitment to transform our National System of Innovation and using science, technology, and innovation to impact the lives of our people in a transformative way,” he added. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Tue, 07/23/2024 - 13:15

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Read moreSA to work with Palestine in research, technology and innovation programme

President Ramaphosa Assents to Public Procurement Bill

Location: News

The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa
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President Cyril Ramaphosa has signed into law legislation that aims to create a single framework that regulates public procurement, including preferential procurement, by all organs of state, with the necessary efficiency, cost-effectiveness and integrity.

The President has assented to the Public Procurement Bill which complies with the stipulation in Section 217 of the Constitution that contracting of goods and services by organs of state in all spheres of government must occur in accordance with a system which is fair, equitable, transparent, competitive and cost-effective; and that national legislation must prescribe a framework within which a procurement policy must be implemented.

As enacted by the President, the Public Procurement Act addresses weaknesses in the procurement of goods and services by organs of state that have in the past enabled various degrees of corruption, including state capture.

The Act also responds to the acknowledgment that legislation regulating procurement by organs of state is fragmented and constrains justified advancement of persons or categories of persons who could provide goods or services.

The Act establishes a single framework that regulates public procurement, including preferential procurement, by all organs of state and promotes the use of technology for efficiency and effectiveness.

The law seeks to enhance transparency and integrity, among others, to combat corruption, ensure efficient, effective and economic use of public resources and advance transformation and broadened economic participation.

The Act foresees that economic development will be stimulated through the procurement of goods that are produced and services that are provided in South Africa, as well as procurement that is developmental in nature.

The Public Procurement Act, which will be administered by the Minister of Finance, applies to departments, constitutional institutions, municipalities, municipal entities, and public entities.

There are also a limited number of clauses which apply to Parliament and provincial legislatures.

The Act applies to all procurement carried out by a procurement institution (including procurement through donor or grant funding), any person who submits a bid or has been awarded a bid; and all procurement carried out by any person on behalf of a procuring institution.

Among its wide-ranging provisions, the Act lists persons who may not submit bids including a public office bearer, employees of Parliament or provincial legislatures, and officials or employees of, among others, public entities, constitutional institutions, municipalities and municipal entities.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa.

Read morePresident Ramaphosa Assents to Public Procurement Bill