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Clanwilliam Dam project revival brings wish to West Coast

Location: News

Clanwilliam Dam project revival brings hope to West Coast

The resuscitation of Clanwilliam Dam engineering work has sparked optimism among the West Coast corridor communities. 

This comes after Water and Sanitation Minister Senzo Mchunu conducted an oversight visit to the construction work underway at the dam site on Thursday.

The R4 billion project, situated on the Olifants River near the town of Clanwilliam in Cederberg Local Municipality, is one of the biggest government infrastructure investments in the Western Cape. 

The project involves raising the dam wall by 13 metres. A total of R400 million has been allocated for the current financial year to implement the project.

The project includes extension of the dam wall on the downstream side, and raising it to a higher level by 13 metres. 

The additional yield of water will provide an opportunity to develop resource poor farmers to promote food security and decent employment through inclusive economic growth.

During the visit, Mchunu said, unlocking the bottlenecks that caused the collapse of the project and seeing it to its completion is the biggest priority for the Department of Water and Sanitation.

Mchunu said the yield from the extended infrastructure will bring a lifeline to many livelihoods in this region. 

“What we see happening here at the dam construction site is encouraging and there is no stopping until we finish. The dam currently yields about 123 million cubic meters of water and when the project is completed, it is expected to yield 343 million cubic meters of water, thus bringing into the system almost double the current yield,” Mchunu said.

Addressing stakeholders and residents that converged at the town’s local church hall, Mchunu said government is committing many resources to building projects across the country, and that through projects like Clanwilliam, the department strives for quality water to flow to South African households. 

“We have built a solid, tight management team for the Clanwilliam Dam project, and we will support them to see it through to the end. The revival of the project is a hit for the Western Cape province.” 

Mchunu said government is aware of the delays in the implementation of the Clanwillliam Dam project over the years, and assured that with the recent resuscitation of the project, the department remains committed to completing the work within the revised timeframes, budgets and specifications.

Among the direct benefits associated with the project, include more than 500 job opportunities for skilled, semi-skilled and unskilled workers, and the development of skills and learning opportunities; and new business opportunities for the locals.

Western Cape Infrastructure MEC Tertuis Simmers, who joined Mchunu during the visit, said the province welcomed the resuscitation of the dam project, noting there is a long history associated with the project. 

“We welcome that work has commenced and interventions by stakeholders to unbundle the hindrances. This will now further accelerate the hydro-energy projects planned for the West Coast corridor and bolster the agricultural sector. 

“As the spheres of government alongside the private sector, we remain committed to the successful delivery of this project,” Simmers said.

Francois Swaartbooi, a local businessperson, said the project has provided renewed hope for stakeholders of the West Coast, and they are happy it is being revived. 

Swartbooi said they have established a business forum to ensure that local small medium enterprises benefit from the project.

The current work at the construction site includes excavations to prepare platforms for the drilling and blasting operations; blast proposal and design by the Drill and Blasting sub-contractor, and geologists to inspect the vertical faces of the excavation to determine the rock anchor details. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Fri, 11/03/2023 - 15:03

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AGOA Trade and Economic Cooperation Forum

Location: News

AGOA Trade and Economic Cooperation Forum

By Michael Currin

Growing business, trade and investment ties between sub-Saharan African nations that are part of the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act and the United States (US) holds enormous benefits for the two regions.

Last year the combined two-way trade between AGOA beneficiaries and the United States exceeded $46 billion and there is strong potential for further growth as trade and investment is deepened.

These trade and investment opportunities will be explored at the 2023 AGOA Trade and Economic Cooperation Forum, which is being hosted by South Africa at the Johannesburg Expo Centre from 2-4 November 2023.

The forum, attended by a senior delegation from the United States and 35 Sub-Saharan Africa Trade Ministers, will seek to strengthen trade and investment. Moreover, with African Regional Economic Communities, civil society, organised and business representatives in attendance, it also encourages regional integration.

There is ample room for growth between the US and Africa, particularly in the critical mineral value chain which is at the centre of the global clean energy transition. The continent is a major producer of cobalt, copper, bauxite, chromium, high purity iron ore, platinum group metals and lithium which is needed for the global energy transition.

Those who partner with the continent will have access to these critical resources to spur on and benefit from the clean energy revolution. The International Energy Agency’s World Energy Outlook 2022 foresees demand for these critical minerals more than doubling by 2030 and quadrupling by 2050.

The forum also reaffirms Africa as a capable economic partner and a lucrative destination for growth and investment. Sub-Saharan African economies are on the rise following the impact of COVD-19 with the International Monetary Fund's Regional Economic Outlook forecasting their growth by 4.2 per cent in 2024 from 3,6 per cent in 2023.

Alongside the forum will be the Made in Africa exhibition that will display the products of more than 500 companies from across Sub-Saharan Africa. It will exhibit the region’s agricultural, automotive, chemicals, metals and minerals, mining and machinery, clothing and textiles, leather and footwear and the boatbuilding sector products.

Significantly, this forum is the last engagement hosted in Sub-Saharan African before the expiry of the current iteration of the African Growth and Opportunity Act in June 2025.  AGOA has been at the core of United States economic policy and commercial engagement with Africa.

It was signed into law on 18 May 2000 to provide duty-free exports of goods from 40 sub-Saharan African countries to the United States, giving them a competitive advantage in the lucrative US market.

There are over 5240 tariff items that qualify for the AGOA ranging from apparel and footwear, wine, certain motor vehicle components, a variety of agricultural products, chemicals as well as steel.

The 2023 AGOA Trade and Economic Cooperation Forum is an opportunity to lobby for the renewal of AGOA beyond 2025 as a mutually beneficial platform for global exchange and growth for the industries involved, and as a gateway to the vibrant African market. An extension of AGOA will promote inward investment in Africa and deepen the impact of industrialisation on the continent. 

Furthermore, it will also support our efforts to increase trade through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) that covers 54 countries and 1.4 billion people. It is anticipated that Africa’s trade will be greatly boosted by AfCFTA and the US stands to gain access to a single market, which is projected to grow to 1.7 billion people and $6.7 trillion in consumer and business spending by 2030.

The trade relationship between the US and South Africa has greatly benefitted from the AGOA agreement.

South Africa remains a key source of raw materials for the American economy and has become one of the region’s top 3 exporters to the US. The most success has been in our automobile sector which is the country’s biggest single beneficiary of the programme. Our local citrus industry has also benefited with the Western Cape exporting approximately R1.6 billion worth of citrus to the US under AGOA in 2022.

Other leading exports to the US included iron and steel, edible fruits, organic chemicals and precious stones. It helped create a total of 62 395 direct and indirect jobs, while overall AGOA generated an estimated 350 000 direct and 1.3-million indirect jobs in Sub-Saharan Africa.

South Africa looks forward to welcoming stakeholders from the US and across the continent to the forum. The stronger ties will ensure reciprocal trade and investment that will benefit both the US and Africa.

* Michael Currin is the Deputy Director-General Intergovernmental Coordination and Stakeholder Management at the Government Communication and Information System
 

Janine
Thu, 11/02/2023 - 08:54

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eXp Realty Celebrates South African Talent: Showcasing Success at the Global Awards Announcement

Location: MyPR

eXp Realty recognized three South Africans with Durban based Andrew Thompson, Johannesburg based Ilse Anhaeusser and Gqeberha based James Conyers receiving global awards for their efforts in 2022. eXp Realty®, “the most agent-centric real estate brokerage on the planet™” and the core subsidiary of eXp World Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: EXPI), this week recognized three South …

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Western Cape Government and Hisense partner for novel Tevolution Museum

Location: News

Republic Of South Africa: Western Cape Provincial Government
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On Monday, 30 October 2023, the Western Cape Government signed a Letter of Intent with Hisense South Africa for the establishment of a Tevolution Museum in Cape Town.   

This venture stems from the agreement with the Shandong province, which is now in its 25th year. The Director-General for the Department of the Premier, Harry Malila, opened today's engagement by thanking China and the Shandong province for the continued relationship and emphasized the renewed focus on the economy, tourism and growth going forward. Hisense already has a footprint in the Atlantis area and will now build on this partnership through the establishment of this museum, working closely with the Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport (DCAS), which is responsible for museums in the province.   

The envisioned museum will tell the story of household appliances in South Africa but will also aim at providing opportunities for youth to go into the field of technology. The museum will incorporate an art studio which will provide opportunities for youth to grow their skills in technology, animation and other related fields such as coding. It will also use technology to bring innovative exhibitions to visitors for them to experience Cape Town's rich and diverse cultural heritage. DCAS will identify potential sites where the museum will be hosted.   

Head of Department for Cultural Affairs and Sport, Guy Redman, emphasized the important role that museums play in bringing hope to people. “The museum we are creating is a museum of the future. We want to inspire South Africans to imagine alternate futures for themselves and believe in their abilities to create that desired future. We want them to appreciate what could be, and give them the tools to make it happen.” he said.   

Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport, Anroux Marais, thanked the delegation for the ongoing partnership between the two governments: “It is very important that we have this ongoing relationship and that we continue to strengthen it as it continues to bring new economic opportunities to our youth. We are also looking forward to hosting young people from Shandong later this year for sailing events.” she said.   

The Western Cape Government looks forward to this exciting new project, which will not only bring in economic growth through tourism but will also support young people in pursuing new career opportunities.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic Of South Africa: Western Cape Provincial Government.

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Minister of Education Unveils Edu Invest initiative

Location: News

Western Cape Education ​Department, South Africa
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Public-Private Partnership initiative aims to attract investment into education and establish the Western Cape as an innovation powerhouse.

  • Edu Invest: A public-private partnership initiative to attract investment and fuel education innovation in the Western Cape.
  • Emphasis on attracting investments into low-cost new private schools to alleviate overcrowding and improve access to quality education.
  • The initiative highlights the commitment of both public and private sectors to reshape the educational landscape, promote collaboration, and create a brighter future for the Western Cape. 

The Western Cape Education Department, in collaboration with Wesgro, the official agency responsible for promoting tourism, trade, and investment in the region, has launched a ground-breaking initiative, Edu Invest. This public-private collaboration seeks to not only drive investment into the education sector but also ignite innovation throughout the region.

By uniting a diverse spectrum of stakeholders, Edu Invest jumpstarts investments in high-quality education, fosters collaboration, and fuels innovation.

Edu Invest will position the Western Cape as the premier education and innovation hub on the continent, making it the go-to choice for investments in the education sector. It represents a pivotal moment driven by a dual mission. First and foremost, it offers a gateway to investment opportunities in the education sector, an arena poised for remarkable transformation and substantial growth. Simultaneously, it serves as a unifying platform, nurturing collaboration among stakeholders with the shared goal of cultivating long-term public-private partnerships. This convergence of interests and investments has strategic significance, shaping the future of education in the Western Cape and generating a robust skills pipeline.

The initiative focuses on attracting investments in new private schools, including those that serve learners in poor communities, to create more classrooms and alleviate overcrowding in schools. This step is crucial for improving access to quality education and enhancing overall educational outcomes.

Currently, the Western Cape has a total of 1,754 schools out of which 1,449 are public schools. We have a much lower proportion of independent schools than provinces like Gauteng. Despite an additional 18 000 learners joining our province's education system each year, we do not have enough independent schools, and particularly low-fee independent schools, complementing our public school offering.

It's becoming increasingly urgent to establish new schools in the Western Cape, which is known for its dedication to retaining students and delivering high-quality education.

The learner-to-teacher ratio in schools remains persistently high, especially for government-funded teachers across all nine provinces. This essentially means that teachers paid by the government are dealing with an overwhelming number of students in their classrooms. The availability of new school places in independent schools would help to address overcrowding in public schools.

David Maynier, Western Cape Minister of Education, emphasised that the future of SA hinges on a strong education system that works hand in hand with the private sector and integrates smart solutions to address learning setbacks. 

"We are not just paying lip service to change in the Western Cape. We are actively collaborating with businesses to improve teaching and learning outcomes and expand access to education in our province. We are wholeheartedly embracing innovative teaching and learning methods," Maynier stated.

He underlined the pressing demand for additional classrooms and a strengthened education sector, especially in the aftermath of the pandemic, which resulted in substantial learning losses. 

“We need to all work together to build a world-class education system. Edu Invest promises to be a game-changer, promoting education innovation, collaboration, and driving investments in the Western Cape's education sector. This initiative demonstrates the commitment of both public and private sectors to reshape the educational landscape and create a brighter future for the region,” Maynier said.

Wrenelle Stander, CEO of Wesgro, underscored the critical role of education innovation to drive competitiveness. 

"Edu Invest reflects Wesgro's commitment to advancing the business of education. Education is the cornerstone of a thriving economy, essential for both economic prosperity and social well-being," she emphasised. Private sector investments, Stander stated, will enhance academic achievements and overall competitiveness.

Stander highlighted the need for pioneering methods, state-of-the-art technology, contemporary curricula, indispensable teacher training, and a complete overhaul of our perspective on education.

She added: "We are amidst global competition, racing to secure new markets, investments, skills, and technology. To not only survive but flourish on the global stage, we must craft a fresh growth narrative with education as its linchpin. For businesses, it's not just a strategic move; it's an investment in the young talents who will shape our economic future.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Western Cape Education ​Department, South Africa.

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Rugby World Cup fever mounts

Location: News

Rugby World Cup fever mounts

South Africans across the country are gripped by the green and gold fever ahead of the 2023 Rugby World Cup final on Saturday, which will pit South Africa’s Springboks against the All Blacks from New Zealand. 

If the semi-final is anything to go by, the final game promises to be a nail-biting encounter that will keep every fan on the edge of their seat as the teams go head-to-head at 9pm sharp. 

From schools, companies, and restaurants to social media posts, the Springbok jersey-wearing South Africans are counting down the hours to what will go down in history as one of the most memorable World Cup finals in Stade de France. 

If South Africa wins, this will be the first time any country will hold four Rugby World Cup titles. 

Even President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to be cheering in the crowd as he will be travelling to Paris to support the Springboks in their quest to defend the Webb Ellis trophy. 

“The President is really looking forward to being invited onto the pitch for a second time by captain Siya Kolisi to help lift the cup for the world champions,” said the President’s Office. 

Meanwhile, Sport, Arts and Culture Minister, Zizi Kodwa on Friday joined the Springbok captain’s run to send well wishes to the Bokke. 

“The Springboks are ready for the final. This is your team, fellow South Africans. Let’s get behind our pride and joy! Yivale maBhokobhoko,” he wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.  

According to SA Rugby, Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber predicts a powerful onslaught from the All Blacks and said they posed threats in every aspect of the game. 

“Matches between the Springboks and All Blacks are always special and hard-fought, and with this being a World Cup final, the rivalry is expected to be more intense. They have an experienced squad with a physical pack and a backline that can create magic from nothing, so we’ll have to be at our best on attack and defence to get the result.”

For Springbok fans, SuperSport, the home of the Rugby World Cup 2023, will broadcast the final match live. 

The South African game will be also shown on SABC.

And for those who prefer big screens and a bit of a crowd, provinces across South Africa are gearing up for the showdown and bringing on the heat to support the Bokke by having dedicated fan parks. 

Some of these, of which most entrance is free, fans can also enjoy some live music in the build-up to the game.

Department of Culture, Sport and Recreation in Mpumalanga, said it has identified three sites for public viewing, one in each district of the province. 

“These public viewing areas will be located in previously disadvantaged communities, which over the years have shown growing interest in the sport of rugby.” 

Where to watch the Rugby World Cup across the country.

Eastern Cape

Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality (free entry, gates open at 7pm). 

Sisa Dukashe Stadium (Mdantsane). 

Police Park (East London).

Baby Swag (Zwelitsha). 

Macelegusha.

Northern Cape

AR Abass Stadium in Kimberley (gates open at 4pm to enjoy some live musical entertainment in the build-up to the game).

Limpopo 

Civic Centre Park in Polokwane (free entry). 

Mpumalanga

Nkangala District (Siyabuswa Retail Centre, Dr JS Moroka Local Municipality). 

Gert Sibande District (Loft Lounge Corner Ennis and Oosthuise Street, Ermelo, Msukaligwa Local Municipality).

Ehlanzeni District (Praxos Butchery, Schoemansdal, Nkomazi Local Municipality).

Gauteng 

Soweto Theatre in Johannesburg (gates to open from 7pm). Fans can also expect to be entertained by Jozi FM DJs in the lead-up to the game. 

Pretoria’s Loftus Park (gates open at 6pm). R 120 per person for general admission includes a free parking ticket and can be purchased electronically. 

North West 

Hoërskool Rustenburg (Bojanala) and Maseru Park (Mahikeng).

Free State

SaamTrek Fan Park – Phakisa Raceway. 

Western Cape 

Bree Street (between Church and Hout Street, Cape Town CBD). There will be soft road closures from Wale to Strand Street and Loop to Buitengracht, including all side roads leading to the venue. 

Monwabisi Sport and Recreation Centre (Langa). 

Westridge Civic Centre (Mitchells Plain). 

KwaZulu-Natal 

Durban ICC (gates swing open at 7pm). Fans can expect the big screen, refreshing drinks and delectable food, drink specials and secure and hassle-free parking facilities. 

Pietermaritzburg’s Woodburn Rugby Stadium (gate to open at 3pm). Children below 12 years free and there will be food stalls live music and secured parking. – SAnews.gov.za
 

Gabisile
Fri, 10/27/2023 - 15:28

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PRASA to spend R50 billion modernising rail network

Location: News

PRASA to spend R50 billion modernising rail network

The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) is set to increase its capital spending over the Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) with a budget of over R50 billion for rolling stock and infrastructure investments.

 “We have increased our capital spending due to the reopening of some of the key corridors. Now we plan on spending R50 billion from this financial year and over the next three years to support the modernisation of the passenger rail network and the implementation of our turnaround plans," PRASA Group CEO Hishaam Emeran said.

He made these remarks during the Southern African Railway Association’s two-day conference in Johannesburg on Tuesday.

“We are making significant strides in recovering the passenger rail network. To date, 26 corridors of the 40 corridors have been recovered, with over 19 million passengers using the services to date. Just on the corridor recovery we have spent R3.6 billion to date in this financial year, with more than 6 000 jobs created.

“This investment will go a long way in contributing to the growth of the economy. We are not just rebuilding the passenger rail network; we are modernising the entire network. This is an ambitious and bold plan, and we intend to use the allocated budget to turn this vision into a reality,” Emeran said.

Projects under PRASA’s ambitious capital programme for the next three years include the rolling stock modernisation programme; depot modernisation programme; walling, station modernisation programme; perway infrastructure; electrical infrastructure; signalling and telecommunications and digitisation of our systems.

He said measures have been put in place to ensure PRASA increases its capital spend, including addressing challenges within supply chain management and capital projects capacity challenges.

“Where we have recovered the passenger rail services, we have introduced the new Electric Motor Units (EMUs), otherwise known as Isitimela Sabantu. The trains that we are introducing are high-tech that come with CCTV cameras, automatic doors, air-conditioning, and high-tech safety measures, designed with the safety of commuters in mind.

“These trains are manufactured here in South Africa, in Springs, Gauteng, by Gibela. Our depot modernisation programme will include the installation of intelligent fencing at the various rolling stock depots and staging yards, incorporating CCTV as well as integrated security systems to replace the existing fencing,” Emeran said.

In addition, PRASA is revitalising the signalling system, bringing in modern telecommunications in line with the European Train Control System ushering a new era in signalling safety.

“Work has started in KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape to resignal the passenger rail network to ensure the safe passage of the trains and increasing the frequency of our services. These projects are all part of our ambitious capital programme where we intend to invest in the economy,” he said. –SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Fri, 10/27/2023 - 09:41

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Strengthening community relationships is key to improving mental health

Location: News

Republic Of South Africa: Western Cape Provincial Government
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Strengthening community relationships is key to improving mental health and wellbeing for residents. 

On the 25th of October, Western Cape Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr Nomafrench Mbombo, hosted a multi-stakeholder mental health and wellbeing engagement with community members at the Western Cape College of Nurses.

Almost 200 residents, students, officials from various Departments and members of community organisations joined the event. During the proceedings, officials were able to detail the current state of mental health in the province, how the healthcare system responds to it and how other stakeholders have a role in improving these outcomes.

Ever since the advent of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Western Cape has been experiencing an increased prevalence of mental health cases and admissions. This has been further worsened exacerbated by increased unemployment, substance abuse and safety concern in our communities. For an example, last year we recorded 26 600 acute adult mental health admissions at our facilities and is 2 600 more than in 2021. Of these cases last year, 6 700 were substance-related psychiatric admissions.

While mental health services are incorporated into our facilities' operational budgets, we made an additional R72.4 million allocation in 2023/24 towards strengthening these services. This included:

  • Increasing the number of mental health beds at George Hospital and Lentegeur Hospital;
  • Strengthening child and adolescent, and psychogeriatric mental health services;
  • Strengthening mental health services at primary health care level; and
  • Ensuring equitable funding of non-profit organisations in both the metro and rural districts.

However, poor mental health is not only a result of an illness or a disorder; anyone can experience it if one's environment does not allow for one's wellbeing. This emphasises the need for us to address the upstream factors that affect an individual, which is why engaging communities every step of the way is crucial to this end.

Highlighting the role government plays in supporting communities, Western Cape Minister of Social Development, Sharna Fernandez added that: "Mental health is everyone's business and it is an important component to one's overall wellbeing. The effective rendering of services requires a multi-disciplined approach. Collaborations are important when it comes to raising awareness and implementing interventions, as this workshop has proven. The Western Cape Department of Social Development has a close relationship with the Department of Health and Wellness in this regard. DSD also works with other government departments, the NPO sector, and community structures."

Speaking to the effects crime has on one's wellbeing, Western Cape Minister of Police Oversight and Community Safety, Reagen Allen said: “Being of healthy mind, body and spirit is of utmost importance for us as individuals to function optimally. The various societal issues that we have to contend with makes this quite challenging. It is vital that we support one another as we navigate through life. The daily violence we encounter has to come to an immediate end if we are to heal fully from all the trauma. This will go a long way in living an optimised and dignified life.”

Minister Dr Nomafrench Mbombo concluded the event by saying: “Health is truly everyone's business. Even though the health system plays an essential role in mental health outcomes, this engagement with the community proved that one's mental wellbeing is dependent various physical, mental and social health factors. As such, it highlights the need for us to further strengthen whole-of-government and whole-of society approaches going forward. We need to continue forming strategic relationships with all stakeholders in order for our interventions to be effective and change the lives of residents.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic Of South Africa: Western Cape Provincial Government.

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Excitement Builds for the Killarney Motor Display as Motul Prepares to Shine

Location: MyPR

The Killarney Motor Show, scheduled for Sunday 5 November 2023 at the renowned Killarney International Raceway in Cape Town, promises an adrenaline-packed experience like never before. Leading automotive lubricant brand, Motul, is set to take the event by storm with thrilling partnerships that demonstrate their exceptional product range. Visitors to the Motul stand can look …

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Cultivating Success

Location: MyPR

Husqvarna Tiller unlocks small-scale farm’s potential Sihle Ntozini only started farming three years ago but with his passion, determination and dedication, he has transformed a fallow piece of land into a thriving small farm in East London that employs six people and supplies fresh produce to two leading retailers in the area. The cornerstones of …

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Futurelife® Celebrates Store Opening In Cape Town With Their “Ride To Feed A Child” Initiative

Location: MyPR

CAPE TOWN, WESTERN CAPE – FUTURELIFE®, a leading food company wholly owned by PepsiCo South Africa, celebrated the grand opening of its second concept store at Canal Walk in Cape Town on October 18, 2023. This event comes just four months after the inauguration of its flagship store in Umhlanga’s Oceans Mall. According to Justine …

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Western Cape prepares for record-breaking summer tourism season

Location: News

Western Cape prepares for record-breaking summer tourism season

With preparations for the summer tourism season underway, the Western Cape province will - for the first time ever - have more than one million in-bound international seats, breaking the record for travellers during the festive season.

“Looking ahead, Cape Town International Airport’s seat capacity for summer 2023/24 is estimated to increase by an impressive 25%, compared to the same period last year. This means that inbound international seats this summer will exceed 1 million, for the first time ever,” the MEC for Finance and Economic Opportunities, Mireille Wenger, said on Sunday.

She said the province is pleased with the significant progress made over the past year in bringing the private and public sectors together to implement practical solutions to combat and pre-empt safety risks for visitors.

"Over the 2023/24 season, 250 tourism monitors will be deployed across the Western Cape to identified hotspots, and will be trained and equipped with mobile apps to link them to critical security services,” she said.

 In addition, the Department of Economic Development and Tourism and Cape Town Tourism will implement tourist-in-distress programmes, which ensure that visitors have professional support available when they most need it.

“I am also pleased that the Department of Tourism has secured a commitment from South African Police Service (SAPS) that police reservists will be available during the summer season to assist with tourism safety,” she said.

 The MEC said work is being prioritised to ensure a successful upcoming season, as well as future seasons.

“At the top of my list is making it as easy as possible for international visitors to holiday in the Western Cape and South Africa. I am determined to work with our national government partners to fix the inefficiencies. I therefore welcome the commitment from the Department of Home Affairs that the long overdue Remote or Digital Nomad Visa will be live by the end of March 2024,” Wenger said. – SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Sun, 10/22/2023 - 10:38

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