Technology

15 September 2023

South Africa, Germany sign agreement for vaccines production

Location: News

South Africa, Germany sign agreement for vaccines production

The Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) and Germany's KfW Development Bank have concluded a financing agreement for the production of vaccines.

Under the agreement the German government, through KfW, will provide South Africa with €20 million for vaccine production over a period of five years.

The grant is exclusively for financing equipment for the development, production and certification of active pharmaceutical ingredients for vaccine production in South Africa.

Announcing the signing of the agreement, Higher Education, Science and Innovation Minister Dr Blade Nzimande said the grant will be used, among other things, to support the mRNA technology transfer hub that South Africa is hosting for the World Health Organisation (WHO), to build vaccine manufacturing capacity in low and middle-income countries, “although it will go beyond this in providing support”.

“The objective of the technology transfer hub is to establish or enhance sustainable mRNA vaccine manufacturing capacity in regions with no or limited capacity, introduce new technologies in low and middle-income countries, promote regional research and development, strengthen regional bio manufacturing know-how and workforce development, and develop regulatory capabilities to support and accelerate regional approval and distribution of mRNA vaccines,” Nzimande said.

In response to the WHO decision made during the COVID-19 pandemic, Nzimande said the German government indicated its commitment to supporting vaccine production in South Africa.

The agreement, signed on 25 July 2023, makes the DSI the recipient of the KfW financial support on behalf of the South African government, and recognises the DSI and its Director-General, Dr Phil Mjwara, as the custodian and leader of the South African vaccine manufacturing strategy.

The Minister said the German decision to work with the department could be seen as a vote of confidence in its leadership's management of international funds.

"The German investment will build on the strategic investments by DSI and other partners, and KfW has agreed to work in alignment with the South African vaccine manufacturing strategy," Nzimande said, adding that the funding could support catalytic initiatives under this strategy.

The South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) will be the project executing agency and will report to the DSI through a steering committee.

SAMRC President and CEO, Professor Glenda Gray said, the Council is delighted to be part of the program, which will provide critical support to establishing a vaccine manufacturing industry in Sub-Saharan Africa.

“In addition to complementing the activities of the mRNA hub program, this partnership will seek to provide critical support in filing gaps in the pre-clinical research domain,” Professor Gray said.

KfW will appoint an implementation consultant to support the KfW and to assist the SAMRC.

The consultant will be responsible for providing sector-specific support for project planning, management, monitoring and evaluation, among others.

Ambassador Andreas Peschke, from the German Embassy in Pretoria, reiterated the important role played by South Africa in strengthening continental vaccine manufacturing capacities, indicating that “the country is at the very forefront of continental efforts for local pharmaceutical and vaccine research and production.”

“[South Africa’s] world-class research institutions and a solid industry meet the prerequisites for independent vaccine research, development, and production,” Peschke said. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Fri, 09/15/2023 - 10:49

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15 September 2023

Comfort at Your Fingertips: Embracing Smart Climate Control

Location: MyPR

The essence of a home lies in its ability to offer comfort and solace. In today’s technologically advanced age, this comfort has been elevated to new heights with the introduction of Smart Climate Control. No longer are homeowners at the mercy of the unpredictable whims of Mother Nature. With smart technology, you can now create …

15 September 2023

Explore a World of Tech and Gaming Excellence

Location: MyPR

In the ever-evolving world of tech and gaming, enthusiasts have a wide array of choices when it comes to their favourite brands and products. From industry giants like Amazon, Google, Oculus, and Apple to niche specialists such as Bluetti, Ecoflow, and Gizzu, the options are limitless. Brands That Define Excellence Whether you’re seeking cutting-edge gadgets or gaming essentials, these brands have set …

15 September 2023

SA eyes growing trade, exporting coal to Vietnam

Location: News

SA eyes growing trade, exporting coal to Vietnam

South Africa is looking forward to broadening existing bilateral trade with Vietnam, says Deputy President Paul Mashatile.

“As South Africa we’d like to increase our exports to Vietnam because we believe there is big potential for growth,” said the Deputy President on Friday.

He was speaking at the President Guesthouse in Pretoria where he was hosting his Vietnamese counterpart, Vice President Vo Thi Anh Xuan on an Official Visit to South Africa.

He told the delegates that South Africa is looking into providing the Southeast Asian country with agricultural agro-processing products.

“Vietnam is also interested in acquiring coal from South Africa and we’ll be able to provide that.”

While bilateral relations have been characterised by “good progress”, the country’s second in charge is of the view that there is room for improvement in some areas.

“There will be areas, Vice President, where we will continue to ask for your support. But we want in particular to work with Vietnam on a number of peace initiatives that we’re engaged with.

“We’re aware that Vietnam supports our peace initiatives on the African continent,” he said.

The two nations are celebrating 30 years of diplomatic relations and the Official Visit aims to reinvigorate and strengthen friendship ties and solidarity as well as to consolidate the multifaceted partnership further.

“I would like to take this opportunity to extend my utmost gratitude and sincere appreciation to you for graciously accepting and honouring my humble invitation for an Official Visit.”

He also thanked Vietnam for supporting South Africa to be part of the sectoral dialogue partner of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ESEA), which was approved recently.

Vietnam is South Africa’s fifth-largest trading partner in the ASEAN region.

Meanwhile, the total bilateral trade between South Africa and Vietnam in 2022 was valued at R23.8 billion, with imports from Vietnam valued at R18.5 billion and exports to Vietnam valued at R5.2 billion.

The Deputy President told the Vice President that South Africa places great significance on their “enduring” and “robust” relationship with Vietnam.

“Our relations are based on strong historical ties, solidarity and the integral role Vietnam played in the fight against colonialism and racial discrimination.”

He also reflected on the bilateral relationship that has evolved and strengthened over the years, resulting in a diverse and multifaceted partnership characterised by enhanced collaboration in several domains.

He said this includes rapid progress in people-to-people links and strong government-to-government relations.

“As we move forward, it is our sincere hope that these networks, which have already demonstrated their immense potential, will not only maintain their current level of strength and stature but also experience significant and continuous growth in the years to come.”

Deputy President Mashatile said he was pleased that some of the leaders in government have also further consolidated their relations in the energy, mineral resources and higher education sectors.

“South Africa has prioritised new investments as a source of economic growth stimulation with a view to create jobs and reduce poverty and inequality by promoting investment, improving our competitiveness, and leveraging technology and innovation.

“Your presence here highlights the importance that both our countries attach to deepening and broadening our existing bilateral relations, especially in growing our trade and economic ties.” – SAnews.gov.za

Location: News

President Ramaphosa to deliver eulogy at Prince Buthelezi's funeral

President Cyril Ramaphosa will deliver the eulogy at the special official funeral of the late Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi in Ulundi, KwaZulu-Natal on Saturday.

Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya confirmed this during a press briefing with media houses to update them about the President’s diary at the Union Buildings on Thursday.

Buthelezi passed away on 9 September 2023, at the age of 95.

President Ramaphosa has honoured Buthelezi by declaring his funeral a special official funeral category 1.

“In accordance with the state, official, and provincial official funeral policy of the government, a special official funeral category 1 is a recognition reserved for individuals of extraordinary distinction as designated by the President of the Republic of South Africa,” Magwenya explained.

The funeral, according to the President’s spokesperson, will include elements of military honours.

“The President has directed that flags be flown half-mast at flag stations around the country until the evening of Saturday, which is the day of the funeral,” he added.

G77+China Summit

The First Citizen has delegated International Relations and Cooperation Minister, Dr Naledi Pandor, to lead South Africa’s delegation to the Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Group of 77 and China.

The gathering, which will be held on 15 and 16 September, will focus on the role of science, technology and innovation.

“President Ramaphosa values the importance of the Group of 77 and China as the largest intergovernmental organisation of developing countries in the United Nations (UN).”

The platform, according to Magwenya, is where Global South countries can articulate, promote collective economic interests and enhance their collective negotiating capacity.

“This capacity is brought to bear on global issues that are deliberated within the UN system and on the advancement of South-South cooperation for development.

“The President welcomes the opportunity for South Africa to contribute to the Group’s debates, analysis and consensus on the main challenges facing the South,” he added.

UNGA78

Meanwhile, it was announced that President Ramaphosa will lead South Africa’s delegation to the General Debate of the 78th Session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA78) which takes place from 18 to 26 September 2023 in New York, in the United States.

The President will deliver the South Africa statement to the UN General Assembly on Tuesday, 19 September 2023.

A number of high-level engagements will precede the address to the UN General Assembly.

These include summits on Partnership for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health; Sustainable Development Goals; a High-Level Dialogue on Financing for Development; Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response; and Climate Ambition to be hosted by the UN Secretary-General.

President Ramaphosa will also lead discussions during the Presidential Roundtable that will hosted by the United States Chamber of Commerce and the US-Africa Business Centre.

His programme will also include several bilateral meetings on the sidelines of UNGA.

South Africa’s participation at the UN, Magwenya said, is directed by its international relations policy objectives, among others. – SAnews.gov.za

Briefing the Portfolio Committee on Trade, Industry and Competition on Tuesday, Patel said historically transformation policies primarily focused on facilitating black ownership in existing enterprises.

However, the Black Industrialists Policy centres on promoting the development of new enterprises, fostering entrepreneurship and ensuring the emergence of businesses controlled by previously marginalized groups.

During the briefing, Minister Patel presented 46 case studies of Black Industrialists across the country in the food and energy sectors.

The evolution of empowerment policies over time has broadened their scope. Initially, they centered on individual share ownership, enabling capital accumulation among black South Africans. Subsequently, they embraced broad-based empowerment and community initiatives.

Today, the policy prioritises Black Industrialists, supporting individual black entrepreneurs with controlling stakes in new firms and employee share ownership (workers empowerment).

Minister Patel underscored that the Black Industrialists Policy is just one pillar of a broader transformation agenda.

Other transformation instruments include industrial financing, sector master plans, localization, competition measures, B-BBEE codes, equity-equivalent investment programs, special economic zones and state preferential procurement.

The Black Industrialists Policy spans various industries, including agro processing, automotive components, textiles, steel and metal fabrication, mining, machinery and equipment, aerospace equipment and technology.

"The Black Industrialists Policy represents a pivotal shift in South Africa's transformation strategy. It fosters new enterprise development, entrepreneurship, and economic inclusion while addressing historical disparities and promoting innovation,” Minister Patel said.

“The policy's impact on the food and energy sectors underscores its significance in driving South Africa's economic transformation,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Wed, 09/13/2023 - 10:11

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13 September 2023

KZN South Coast collective creates app to drive coffee growth and investment opportunities in agriculture

Location: MyPR

When it comes to first-class coffee-growing nations, South Africa has yet to reach its peak, however, one KZN South Coast-based coffee collective is finding a way to change this. RedBerry Coffee Collective, driven by Dylan Cumming of Beaver Creek Coffee Estate on the KZN South Coast, is building a strong base to increase coffee farming …

12 September 2023

Hostex 2024 Announces Growing Exhibitor List

Location: MyPR

Hostex 2024, Africa’s food, drink and hospitality trade expo, is gearing up to be an unmissable event for industry professionals. With just months to go, Hostex has announced a significant milestone – an impressive 50% of the exhibition floorspace has already been sold, indicating the industry’s support and excitement surrounding this year’s event. Hostex 2024 …

12 September 2023

Reserve Bank highlights country’s fourth decimal coin series in September

Location: News

South African Government
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The South African Reserve Bank (SARB) will highlight the country's fourth decimal coin series in September as the nation observes Heritage Month. The new circulation coin series features deep ecology as the overarching theme and is the first complete set of coins to be issued in the country's democratic dispensation. The SARB's focus on the coin series comes after the launch of the upgraded banknotes and coin on 3 May 2023 where the focus was placed largely on the upgraded banknotes.

The fourth decimal coin series has a contemporary appearance, and the design elements offer valuable information about the country's identity, including its culture, national symbols, history, languages, flora and fauna, cities and technology.

New security features have also been added, making the coins difficult to replicate.

The series was designed and engraved by South African artists and developed in consultation with key stakeholders such as the South African National Botanical Institute (SANBI), Pan South African Language Board (PanSALB) and the Institute for the Blind to ensure inclusivity, accessibility and accuracy of the design elements.

The six-coin denominations and designers are:

10c ‘Cape honey bee' by Carl Jeppe;
20c ‘bitter aloe' by Zinhle Zulu;
50c ‘Knysna turaco' by Kotie Geldenhuys;
R1 ‘king protea' by Lilian Guerra and Richard Stone;
R2 ‘springbok' by Temba Mkhangeli; and
R5 ‘southern right whale' by Sujay Sanan.

The coins retain the colours that South Africans are familiar with. The cents are brown (copper) or gold (bronze), the rands are silver, and the R5 is a bi-metallic copper alloy of both the gold (bronze) and silver colours. Each coin design has a unique landing pattern with various sides, which helps the visually impaired to identify the coins' value.

While the coins have undergone a makeover, they remain circulation coins. This means that they are worth their face value and can be used alongside earlier circulation coin series.

Design note to editors:

The 10c coin was designed by Carl Jeppe, a design lecturer, and bears the Cape honey bee which is indigenous to Southern Africa. The bee plays a vital role in South Africa's agriculture and agricultural economy by pollinating crops and producing honey.

The bitter aloe adorns the 20c coin, designed by Zinhle Zulu, an illustrator and cultural visual storyteller. The bitter aloe is a tall, single-stemmed plant that can grow to a height of 10 feet (3 metres).

The Knysna turaco or the Knysna loerie as it is referred to in South Africa, is a large turaco. The tall, elegant bird on the 50c coin was designed by Kotie Geldenhuys, an illustrator and graphic designer.

The South African Mint's Lilian Guerra and Richard Stone collaborated on the R1 coin, featuring the king protea, which has the largest flower head in the genus. This flower is also the national flower of South Africa. It is adapted to survive wildfires by its thick underground stem which contains many dormant buds; these produce new growth after a fire.

The springbok, featured on the R2 coin and designed by award-winning visual artist and environmentalist Themba Mkhangeli, is the national animal of South Africa. A feature unique to the springbok is its ability to perform multiple leaps into the air of up to 2 meters above the ground.

The R5 coin designed by Sujay Sanan features the southern right whale, which can be found in the southern part of the southern hemisphere. During the winter months these whales migrate to the coastal waters of South Africa, with more than 100 of them known to be in the Hermanus area.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of South African Government.

12 September 2023

The Official Imaging Supplier for Rugby World Cup France 2023

Location: Sport

Today, Canon (Canon-CNA.com) begins its role as the Official Imaging Supplier of the Rugby World Cup 2023, which will be the third Rugby World Cup tournament it has sponsored. As the Official Imaging Supplier of Rugby World Cup 2023, Canon provides world-leading technology that ensures fans don't miss a moment of the action. Canon will be supplying a full range of support from its diverse businesses, including cameras, lenses, video camcorders and network cameras. As with many major sporting events, Canon Professional Services will be available, where its team members will be providing technical support to more than 800 press, 400+ photographers, 300+ TV crew personnel, 300+ agency staff and 70+ radio personnel. Support includes camera and lens maintenance services and product loans, ensuring they are equipped to capture every nail-biting moment.

AFP Partnership

In addition to its official imaging role, Canon is supporting several activities off the pitch that are designed to champion inclusivity across the sport. This includes an exciting partnership with the AFP, which will see one aspiring young photographer from each of the participating nations partnered with a staff photographer, equipped with a Canon camera.

Earlier this year, ahead of the tournament, each pair worked on an assignment together that illustrated their nation's relationship with the Rugby World Cup through photography. By allowing the next generation to show the world what the tournament means to their nation, we can celebrate the diversity of the sport and inspire a world of change.

Partnership with the Portuguese National Team

At the Rugby World Cup 2023, Canon will be giving members of the Portuguese national team PowerShot V10 (https://apo-opa.info/3VTs35H) cameras and will be featuring their stories on its website, enabling them to catalogue their tournament journey through their own lens.

Let's Celebrate our Differences

Rugby is a universal sport. It brings together women and men sharing key values of the sport such as solidarity, commitment, and respect, no matter where they come from and no matter who they are. These values have been celebrated in a unique international “Celebrating Our Differences” (https://www.LetsCelebrateOurDifferences.com/en/) photography competition, of which Canon is an official sponsor.

Once again, ahead of the tournament, the power was handed to fans across the world, to illustrate what the sport means to them. The winners of the challenge – from France, Argentina, Uganda, India, and Vietnam – were awarded prizes that included 16 Canon cameras: 12 Canon EOS R50s for the winners of each category and 4 EOS R8s for Canon's favourites. The photographs can be found on display on the gates of the UNESCO's headquarters in the seventh arrondissement of Paris until the 6^th September, as well as during the tournament at the host cities of this year's Rugby World Cup.

See the winning images here (https://apo-opa.info/3Ewr6Zr).

“We're delighted to be the Official Imaging Supplier of the Rugby World Cup this year, following two great tournaments in England and Japan” says Peter Morris, Brand and Sponsorship Senior Manager, Canon EMEA. “We've also been thrilled to participate in the AFP partnership and the “Celebrate our Differences” photography competition, two initiatives that put the power of imaging in the hands of the diverse fans that help make this tournament such a special event. We hope that these moments, captured through the lens of our iconic imaging equipment, will help drive positive change.”

Rugby World Cup 2023

Host country: France

Tournament period: September 8 – October 28, 2023

Participating teams: 20 (South Africa, Namibia, England, Wales, New Zealand, Japan, France, Australia, Ireland, Scotland, Italy, Argentina, Fiji, Samoa, Uruguay, Georgia, Romania, Portugal, Tonga and Chile.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA).

Media enquiries, please contact:
Canon Central and North Africa
Mai Youssef
E-mail: Mai.youssef@canon-me.com

APO Group - PR Agency
Rania ElRafie
E-mail: Rania.ElRafie@apo-opa.com

About Canon Central and North Africa:
Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA) (Canon-CNA.com) is a division within Canon Middle East FZ LLC (CME), a subsidiary of Canon Europe. The formation of CCNA in 2016 was a strategic step that aimed to enhance Canon's business within the Africa region - by strengthening Canon's in-country presence and focus. CCNA also demonstrates Canon's commitment to operating closer to its customers and meeting their demands in the rapidly evolving African market.

Canon has been represented in the African continent for more than 15 years through distributors and partners that have successfully built a solid customer base in the region. CCNA ensures the provision of high quality, technologically advanced products that meet the requirements of Africa's rapidly evolving marketplace. With over 100 employees, CCNA manages sales and marketing activities across 44 countries in Africa.

Canon's corporate philosophy is Kyosei (https://apo-opa.info/3xeczh6) – ‘living and working together for the common good'. CCNA pursues sustainable business growth, focusing on reducing its own environmental impact and supporting customers to reduce theirs using Canon's products, solutions and services. At Canon, we are pioneers, constantly redefining the world of imaging for the greater good. Through our technology and our spirit of innovation, we push the bounds of what is possible – helping us to see our world in ways we never have before. We help bring creativity to life, one image at a time. Because when we can see our world, we can transform it for the better. For more information: Canon-CNA.com.

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Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA)

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12 September 2023

South African Telecoms Customers Only Prepared to Wait 5 Minutes

Location: News

SUBTONOMY (https://www.Subtonomy.com/), the world's leading telecoms technical customer support vendor, today reveals new research on the South African market, providing key insights into the online habits and customer support expectations of South Africans.

South Africans are spending increasing amounts of time online

The global shift towards digitalisation hasn't bypassed South Africa. Rather, as South Africans transition to the latest smartphones, they're spending more and more time online. According to a recent ProxyRack report, for example, the average South African now spends 9 hours and 38 minutes per day online – making them the world's heaviest internet users.

A new study by Sweden's Subtonomy, provides unique insights into how South Africans are spending this time, revealing:

97% are using at least one social media platform
88% are watching the latest movies or streaming TV
86% are paying bills or reading news online
74% are using their mobiles to work from home or to access video conferencing apps
56% are gaming on their handsets
28% are controlling smart home applications.

What all of these advanced data applications have in common, is that they require a robust, stable and always-available network, and this is precisely where customers say there's a big problem - with 7 in 10 admitting they're frequently experiencing problems with their connectivity.

Excellent customer support has become a critical decision point for customers

In addition to dealing with the demands of more complex services, and responding to changing customer needs, South African service providers have the added challenge of regular and unpredictable load balancing events to cope with. But while South Africans don't necessarily blame their service provider - indeed 8 out of 10 say they're doing a great job supporting them – disruptions to their service have become such a significant issue that customer support quality is now seen as a key decision point when deciding which network to use.

But what does excellent customer service look like to the average South African? Increasingly, they expect it to be fast, convenient, proactive and digital.

FAST - 53% of customers say they're only prepared to wait a maximum of 5 minutes to access service.
CONVENIENT – 39% of customers expect round-the-clock support, and in the 50-54 demographic this rises to 56% of customers.
PROACTIVE - 94% of customers say they'd like to be notified about planned maintenance ahead of time, so they can take mitigation actions, and want to be notified in real time about any outages.
DIGITAL – although 51% of customers are resolving their problems via the call centre, 30% said digital self-service is now their preferred support channel, and a further 56% said they'd choose self-service via their mobile app IF their service provider could troubleshoot and fully resolve problems from within the app.

Fast, convenient, proactive, digital support is available today

The good news is that the type of fast, convenient, proactive digital support South Africans want has already been developed, tried and tested, and is now being routinely delivered in the advanced mobile markets of Scandinavia. South African service providers are now actively seeking to replicate this type of experience in order to meet customer expectations, drive down support costs, and deliver a world-class experience to customers.

“All networks experience both planned and unplanned problems at one time or another,” explains Fredrik Edwall, EVP Sales & Marketing, Subtonomy. “But what differentiates service providers is the ability to rapidly pinpoint exactly what's causing their customer's problem and then quickly resolve it, while at the same time keeping the customer informed and updated throughout.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Subtonomy.

Contact Tina Rosén to set up an interview: tina.rosen@subtonomy.com

Click here (https://apo-opa.info/48cLpc0) to download a full copy of Market Study 2023: Customer Attitudes to Support in South Africa.

About Subtonomy:
As the only telecoms vendor dedicated to technical customer support, Subtonomy isn't just a solution, we're at the forefront of a customer experience revolution - blending cutting-edge technology with user-friendly tools to break down barriers, streamline and future-proof telecom operators' businesses.

When precision matters our solutions dive deep, revealing detailed service experiences and addressing current needs while preparing for the dynamic telecoms market of tomorrow.
Harnessing automation to meet customer expectations via Subtonomy's Self-Service API which helps enhance every digital touchpoint, with effortless but complex troubleshooting thrown in.
When shifting from reactivity to proactivity our advanced tech support solutions mean you're not just acting faster, but reaching out proactively to keep customers informed via mobile app, website, or IVR.

To find out more about how Subtonomy is reshaping customer support and helping deliver stellar customer experiences today see Subtonomy's website (https://www.Subtonomy.com/).

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