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Graduating ethical leaders

Wits Business School aims to equip leaders with the skills and competencies to drive change, generate opportunity and provide innovative solutions to global issues.

Service magazine speaks to the school’s director of executive education, Leoni Grobler.

Please share your career trajectory to this point.

I’ve worked in the higher education sector for almost 27 years. Before joining Wits Business School (WBS) as Director of Executive Education in 2021, I was appointed as CEO of Regenesys Business School. I’m a Certified Associate in Banking (CAIB SA), completed my MBA in 2014 and am currently registered for the Doctor of Management in Technology and Innovation at the Da Vinci Institute.

What is WBS’s vision and mission?

Vision. WBS will be a leading African business school embedded among the best business schools internationally.

Mission. At the heart of WBS is a mission to graduate agile and ethical leaders who will positively impact the world. We will achieve this through empowering education, relevant research and impactful public discourse. This is why we ensure that everything we do at the WBS is guided by three principles: critical thinking, innovation and sustainability.

How do you translate this mission at WBS?

All programmes offered at WBS are underpinned by the following graduate competencies and reinforce what we aim to achieve:

  • Entrepreneurial, innovative and creative in solving organisational and societal problems.
  • Drive sustainable solutions for society, our planet and business.
  • Lead with purpose, integrity and accountability.
  • Sensitive and personally responsive to the needs of society and their organisations as change agents for the common good.

Why choose WBS?

WBS has transformed the lives and careers of thousands of graduates and is one of the most recognised schools in Africa. Under the leadership of our head of school, Professor Maurice Radebe, significant strides have been made to improve the growth and transformation of the school. The enduring “Wits” brand, recognised internationally, continues to symbolise academic rigour, research excellence and thought leadership on the African continent.

Wits Business School, Director of Executive Education, Leoni Grobler.

What programmes does WBS Executive Education offer?

We offer both open enrolment and customised programmes targeted at senior executives, managers and new managers. Our insightful programmes are designed to address organisations’ immediate and future needs by empowering employees to drive change, manage and lead teams, and adopt innovative approaches to solving complex problems.

Our growing client base is a testament to a quality offering that impacts personal and organisational performance.

Please talk to us about the importance of lifelong learning.

How do we embrace ever-changing business trends and find comfort in the unknown? I believe everyone should be given a chance to secure a new career or explore opportunities to upskill themselves towards a better and brighter future.

Complacency is the biggest threat to professionals and their careers. The world is forcing us to be far more fluid in how we think, and nobody can afford to resist change. For this reason, we see lifelong learning as a critical focus area for those wanting to remain relevant and succeed in life.

Business leaders require specific skills and competencies which allow them to adapt to internal and external disruptions; therefore flexibility, agility and resilience are important skills which require continuous improvement.

We offer both open enrolment and customised programmes targeted at senior executives, managers and new managers. Our insightful programmes are designed to address organisations’ immediate and future needs by empowering employees to drive change, manage and lead teams, and adopt innovative approaches to solving complex problems.

What skills are required for the new world of work?

Thriving in the new world of work requires a blend of technical, interpersonal and adaptive skills. At WBS, we consider digital literacy, critical thinking, ethical judgment, flexibility, emotional intelligence, collaboration, leadership influence and sustainability as the key skills to be improved.

The Management Advancement Programme (MAP) for Future Change Leaders caters for managers and future leaders, equipping them to deal with the changing global environment.

WBS has positioned itself as a centre of discourse on a range of socio-economic issues facing Africa. Please expand.

Research is inextricably linked to nurturing critical thinkers and, in business, it’s an essential management skill needed to identify and solve problems. Our students learn to collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information. They also access, analyse and debate up-to-date research and real-life case studies as part of their rich experience at WBS. As a business school, we pursue new, high-impact, forward-thinking and relevant research that contributes locally and globally to knowledge and teaching about business, management and economics.

WBS seeks to have a meaningful and positive impact extending beyond the classroom. Under the Directorate of Development and Partnerships, the school hosts regular public events such as panel discussions, conferences and dialogues. The WBS Leadership Dialogue series features some of South Africa’s most influential business leaders who are invited to talk about their leadership lessons and philosophy for a public audience.

Please tell us about WBS’ Women in Leadership programme.

The number of women in executive positions globally remains disturbingly low. The Women in Leadership programme has been designed to address this issue by exploring the South African workplace paradigm and the delegate’s own identity and emotional intelligence to develop higher communication levels and leadership skills.

Besides an increased self-awareness regarding their attributes as a leader, our delegates enhance their leadership skills and learn how to apply new tools for effective workplace communication, negotiation and conflict resolution. Each delegate works on their personal leadership quest during the course using the skills and knowledge developed to design a personal brand and leadership plan.

How has this programme impacted women’s lives?

In December 2022, WBS and the Finance and Accounting Services Sector Education and Training Authority (FASSET) signed a three-year partnership agreement to transform the careers of black female leaders in the sector.

The customised Women in Leadership programme targets executive, middle and junior management level positions of FASSET-related qualifications/skills and those employed in various sectors including Post School Education and Training (PSET) institutions. Over 520 female delegates have graduated from the Women in Leadership programme.

What about companies wishing to change the narrative of executive gender imbalance?

I have some ideas that companies could potentially consider should they wish to change the narrative:

  • Promote gender-sensitive leadership development programmes tailored to specifically address women, focusing on barriers such as limited access to networks and mentorship. This type of programme creates a pipeline of qualified women ready to step into executive roles, challenging the narrative that women are less suited for leadership.
  • Highlight success stories of female leaders by showcasing women executives in the media, internal communication and public platforms. By celebrating the achievements of female leaders, companies can inspire others and demonstrate that women can thrive in executive roles.
  • Engage men as allies by educating male leaders and employees on gender issues and involve them in initiatives aimed at promoting gender balance.

Please share a message with women wishing to develop themselves personally and professionally.

Your personal and professional development is a testament to your resilience and unwavering commitment to growth. In every challenge lies an opportunity, in every setback a lesson. Embrace each experience as a stepping stone towards your greatness. Never underestimate the power of your voice, ideas and unique perspective. You can influence change, break barriers and lead with integrity.

As you continue to develop yourself, know that you are not alone. You are part of a global sisterhood of rising women, transforming the world with their intelligence, creativity and compassion. Draw strength from this collective energy and let it propel you forward. 

Find out more, visit Wits Business School online at https://www.wbs.ac.za/

Mbombela’s International Fresh Produce Market is preparing to trade

Credit: Enza Construction

With more than 1.5 tons of steel and a design that encompasses 17 buildings, the International Fresh Produce Market (IFPM) built for the Mpumalanga Economic Growth Agency (MEGA) will make a big impact on the agricultural sector in the province.

As of April 2024, site progress achieved was reportedly 97% (The Citizen), and the 29 000m² floor area will soon be put to use trading the province’s produce. Enza Construction, a wholly owned subsidiary of Crowie Holdings, was the main contractor on the project, and Orbic Architects designed the market.

The IFPM is in Mbombela (formerly Nelspruit), less than 10km from the Central Business District. It is situated within the Maputo Development Corridor (MDC), linking Mpumalanga, Gauteng Province and the Nkomazi Special Economic Zone with the deepwater Port of Maputo in Mozambique.

Agri-hubs throughout the province, led by co-operatives, will be encouraged to supply produce to the IFPM which will give them direct access to new markets and opportunities. In this way, small-scale growers will be better incorporated into the mainstream economy.

Mpumalanga cultivates predominantly tropical and subtropical crops and vegetables such as avocados, bananas, citrus, ginger, granadillas, guavas, litchis, macadamia nuts, mangoes, papayas and pineapples.

Agri-hubs throughout the province, led by co-operatives, will be encouraged to supply produce to the IFPM which will give them direct access to new markets and opportunities.

Among the facilities that the market will offer are open trading halls for fruit and vegetables, a meat, fish and flower market, cold storage, ripening facilities and pallet handling, processing facilities, an export hall and bulk-breaking facilities for retail outlets. Linked services such as customs, transport and logistics, banks and restaurants will support the main activities of the IFPM.

More agricultural infrastructure in the form of an agro-processing facility is planned for the area near the Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (KMIA) and private investors are being approached.

The Mpumalanga Green Cluster Agency, a new body set up to promote the green economy, has published a series of briefing documents on opportunities in various sectors. The Cluster has representatives from government, business and the academic world. With coal mining and coal-fired power stations likely to play a reduced role in the future, Mpumalanga is looking to its other abundant resources for economic growth. The Mpumalanga Department of Economic Development and Tourism has initiated the Agency to look for increased opportunities in the green economy.

In the Sustainable Agriculture briefing, the Agency identifies investment opportunities in five broad categories within the province:

  • renewable energy applications
  • regenerative agriculture
  • controlled environment agriculture
  • smart farming
  • agri-waste management

The South African macadamia industry produced 83 556 tons in 2023, a better crop result than 2022 and much better than the 53 000 tons achieved in 2021. Fully 97% of the crop is exported. Thousands of new trees are being planted every year. In 2022, Mpumalanga was responsible for 37% of the country’s 6 235 new hectares. There are more than 65 000 hectares planted to macadamias in the country. Sophisticated machinery is increasingly being used and data usage is becoming vital for sustainability.

Avocados are not as widespread, but the planting of 800 new hectares annually suggests that global markets are responding well to farms in Mpumalanga and elsewhere. The website of the South African Avocado Growers Association lists 25 companies that export the fruit.

Mpumalanga accounts for about 21% of South Africa’s citrus production and a third of its export volumes, with Valencias being the province’s most popular varietal and Mbombela being the centre of the sector.

Litchis, mangoes and bananas also thrive in the province. Hazyview is an important source of bananas, with 20% of South Africa’s production originating there.

Phez’ Komkhono Mlimi is a provincial government assistance programme providing mechanisation and input support to small-scale and new farmers. Since its inception, the programme has overseen the cultivation of 199 169ha of land and 12 720 food gardens. In the five years to 2024, 37 733 farmers benefitted from the programme, of which 22 505 are women.

Beefing up exports

A major decision for South Africa’s beef exporters was announced in 2024; Saudi Arabia agreed to import again after a long break. Exports for the month of January 2024 represented a seven-year high of 3 225 tons.

Many kinds of cattle thrive in Mpumalanga, including the Ankole breed. Credit: Ntaba Nyoni Cattle Farm

Several factors conspired to keep exports down in the years before 2024, but the conditions to grow the market are very favourable. South Africa has achieved the remarkable feat of switching from being a net importer of beef to an exporter and the beef sector is well segmented with excellent infrastructure all along the value chain.

One of the country’s biggest beef producers and traders, Karan Beef, runs an abattoir in Balfour and in the neighbouring Gauteng province, the company’s Heidelberg farm feedlot is, at 2 330ha, the largest in the world.

The Mpumalanga Department of Agriculture, Rural Development Land and Environmental Affairs is supporting livestock farmers through the Masibuyele Esibayeni Programme (MESP). Applicants can receive four kinds of livestock, including up to four bulls and 100 heifers for commercial farmers who meet the criteria. In the smallholder category the limit is one bull and 25 heifers whereas communal farmers are entitled to one bull only.

An indication of the suitability of the province for a variety of cattle breeds can be gleaned from the fact that Ntaba Nyoni Cattle runs studs for five breeds, Ankole, Boran, Bonsmara, Nguni and Wagyu. The 5 100ha farm, located near Badplaas, is owned by current South African President Cyril Ramaphosa.

Relevant online resources

Transforming the education ecosystem in South Africa

South Africa’s shared vision for education should be to “improve the quality of life of all citizens and free the potential of each person” – a statement directly from the preamble of our Constitution, said Mary Metcalfe, professor of practice at the University of Johannesburg, in her keynote address at the Trialogue Business in Society Conference.

With more than 50 years of experience working in education, Metcalfe reminded delegates that young people are not accessing their potential, and we need to do better to deliver the change that is necessary in the sector. She says that companies and non-profit organisations need to make every cent count as they operate in a resource-constrained environment in which the triple ills of poverty, unemployment and inequality are not being addressed.

Metcalfe began her talk by reviewing basic education and said a disproportionate amount of money was being spent on grades 10 to 12 when “the immediately recognisable right to basic education” from Grade R to Grade 9 needed to be prioritised. “Constitutionally, this is immediate – we can’t say ‘We’ll get there’,” said Metcalfe, drawing attention to recent court cases about pit latrines, access to textbooks and others.

The provinces in the country that experience the greatest inequality are the least likely to receive support and yet this is where the bulk of pupils are. “Learners in Limpopo, KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga and the Eastern Cape are in conditions of poverty, but we don’t invest to undo inequality. The challenge is to work where it’s not easy to work,” Melcalfe said. “We must also address issues such as high failure and dropout rates. The Zero Dropout campaign is already doing good work in this area.”

Metcalfe said that corporate giving should examine the phenomenon of “vanity projects”, since there are simply insufficient resources for these. Instead, companies need to ask of their projects: “What will I learn from this approach that will assist my partners and government to address inequality inefficiencies and poor quality?”

Metcalfe’s recommendations for this sector include:
  • Commit to a rigorous, evidence-based approach to learning what “works”.
  • Understand impact, scale and replicability.
  • Pursue designs that are replicable on cost structures that are sustainable within available resources.
  • Locate responsibility where it must be maintained to sustain change.
  • Build technical capacity.
  • Share learning by connecting and collaborating.
  • Invest in the capacity of the instructional core for sustainability.

Early Childhood Development

Metcalfe said early childhood education centres did not provide early childhood development (ECD), which begins at conception and involves issues of maternal health, child hunger, malnutrition, stunting, caregiving and safety and protection.

“The Department of Basic Education does not fund early childhood education centres – instead, the government provides a subsidy of R17 a day to the most vulnerable children in each centre. These centres are primarily funded by communities, so corporates should consider funding this crucial area. SmartStart, for example, takes a fee from the community to provide an early learning environment.”

Metcalfe’s recommendations for this sector include:
  • Support system learning to build replicable models.
  • Support capacity building.
  • Support private sector coordination.
  • Support NPOs that back the development and sustainability of community-based centres on evidence-informed strategies.

Metcalfe called for better coordination in the sector. “We need to support collaborative learning initiatives, so we do not duplicate our efforts, and we have to build on what works,” she said.

Although Metcalfe decried vanity projects, she said we sometimes need “starfish” projects from which to learn, but when collaborating we must ask if we have listened and co-designed. “We need the courage to fund replicable models and capacity in the system,” she concluded. 

Manufacturing Indaba 2024 – invitation to join, exhibit, and register

With just a few weeks remaining until the Manufacturing Indaba 2024, excitement is building for what promises to be a transformative event for Africa’s manufacturing sector. The event will take place from 22 – 23 October 2024 at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg, South Africa bringing together industry leaders, experts, and stakeholders from across the continent to explore and shape the future of manufacturing in Africa.

Manufacturing Indaba 2024 provides a unique platform for exhibitors and delegates alike to engage with the latest trends, opportunities and innovations within the African manufacturing sector. The event is designed to foster collaboration, spark new ideas as well as drive business growth through focused discussions, exhibitions and networking opportunities.

Why attend the Manufacturing Indaba?

  • Industry Insight & Innovation: Attendees will benefit from expert-led panel discussions and keynote addresses on the latest trends, technological advancements, and strategies for boosting the manufacturing industry in Africa.
  • Business & Networking Opportunities: Engage with industry leaders, government officials, and key decision-makers who are actively shaping the future of manufacturing in Africa. Over 60% of all attendees at the event are decision-makers who have buying power.
  • Exhibition Opportunities: Exhibitors can showcase their cutting-edge solutions, services, and products to an audience of decision-makers and influential figures in the manufacturing ecosystem.
  • Trade & Collaboration: The event serves as a hub for new business partnerships, investment opportunities, and cross-border trade collaboration.
Key Highlights:
  • Conference Tracks: Dedicated tracks covering sustainability, digital transformation, policy, and investment in African manufacturing.
  • Exhibitor Showcase: A vibrant exhibition hall featuring the latest technologies, services, and solutions driving growth in the manufacturing sector.
  • Networking Sessions: Exclusive networking events designed to connect delegates, exhibitors, and speakers for meaningful interactions and business collaborations.
Registration are now open!

With just a few weeks to go, now is the time to register and secure your place at this prestigious event. Don’t miss the opportunity to be part of a platform that’s shaping the future of African manufacturing.

For more information on how to participate, exhibit, or sponsor the event, please visit https://manufacturingindaba.co.za  or contact us at info@manufacturingindaba.co.za

Specialists in serious commercial and financial crime support mining- and private security forces

Mine Security Conference, June 2024

An action-driven 2-day workshop on Intelligence, Forensics and Prosecution will be taking place on 29 & 30 October at the Indaba Hotel in Fourways, hosted by Pinpoint Stewards. The workshop will be facilitated by 7 experts specializing in serious commercial and financial crimes from Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC), Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Institute for Security Studies (ISS) and South African Police Service (SAPS).

“As reported, more than 30 000 illegal miners are estimated to operate across SA and illegal mining activities cost the country’s formal mining industry more than R7-billion annually. Putting a stop to crimes against our country and its resources is a mammoth task. At our recent Mine Security Conference in June one of the coal mining companies reported that out of 86 cases the first subpoena was received in 4 years, due to lack of resources,” says organiser Ankia Roux, Pinpoint Stewards.

The workshop aim to enhance the understanding of financial intelligence and how to use it to combat crime, improve forensic investigation skills and strengthen legal and prosecution capabilities. The platform will also foster collaboration among all stakeholders to stay ahead of crime syndicates, including illicit mining activities.

Topics that will be discussed include:
  • legislation relating to prosecution and knowing your legal grounds,
  • cross border investigations – looking at international markets driving the smuggling networks in SA,
  • crime intelligence gathering – looking at how crime mapping, linkage analysis and assessment can assist crime prevention,
  • addressing the threat of illegal explosives and accessories used by organised crime syndicates,
  • the nexus between intelligence, forensic investigation and a successful prosecution,
  • money laundering and financial investigations, etc.

Speakers

Specialist speakers who will be sharing their expertise in converting intelligence and forensic investigations into actionable prosecutions, include:

    • Pieter Alberts, Shared Forensic Capability, (FIC)
    • Major General EL Makwela, Component Head Forensic Accounting Investigation, (DPCI)
    • Major General HF Flynn, Component Head: Serious Organised Crime Investigation, (DPCI)
    • Adv. Elize Le Roux, Senior State Advocate Gauteng Local Division, (NPA)
    • Adv. Nqobile Maphalala, Senior State Advocate Organised Crime Unit, (NPA)
    • Willem Els, Senior Training Coordinator, ENACT Programme (ISS), Pretoria
    • Brigadier NM (Tummi) Masondo, Section Head, Organised Crime Analysis, Intelligence Analysis & Coordination Crime Intelligence, (SAPS)

Book online at www.pinpointstewards.co.za or email info@pinpointstewards.co.za for more info. Stay updated by joining the private Mine Security Network SA group on LinkedIn.

Intelligence, Forensics and Prosecution workshop

Action-driven 2-day Intelligence, Forensics and Prosecution workshop, facilitating investigations and prosecutions of crimes within and against the mining industry and other related sectors.

Speakers include FIC, DPCI, NPA, ISS and SAPS who will share their expert “know-how” in packaging evidence to ensure higher prosecution rates and strengthen collaboration between enforcement entities and private security stakeholders.

Date: 29 & 30 October 2024
Venue: Indaba Hotel, Fourways, JHB.

Online registrations: www.pinpointstewards.co.za
Email: info@pinpointstewards.co.za

Smarter Mobility Africa summit: Announcing our partners and sponsors

Johannesburg, South Africa – 10 September 2024 – Smarter Mobility Africa summit, the leading platform for innovation and advancement in the Africa’s mobility sector, is thrilled to announce our esteemed partners and sponsors who are joining us for the upcoming summit.

2-4 October 2024 will bring together industry leaders, policymakers, and thought-provoking speakers to discuss the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities in African mobility. Our partners and sponsors play a vital role in driving innovation and shaping the future of transportation on the continent.

Our esteemed partners include:
  • Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport: Host Partner
Our generous sponsors include:
  • Bolt: Green Fleets Stage Sponsor
  • Visa: Expanding Public Transport Stage Sponsor
  • IDC: SMA summit Gold Sponsor
  • Gibela: Rail Stage Sponsor
  • Gautrain: Platinum & Delegate Bag Partner
  • GIZ: Gold Partner
  • Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA): Silver Sponsor
  • InDrive: Women in Mobility Breakfast
  • Circular Energy: Silver Sponsor

With the support of our partners and sponsors, Smarter Mobility Africa summit is committed to delivering an exceptional summit that will inspire and empower Africa’s mobility community. We look forward to welcoming you to this groundbreaking event.

About Smarter Mobility Africa:

Smarter Mobility Africa summit focuses on creating innovative settings that bring together key stakeholders and decision-makers in an environment where real conversations and connections can happen.

We bring people and organizations together with information, knowledge and expertise to reach the next level of growth and influence in their industry. For more information visit: https://wearevuka.com/mobility/sma-summit/programme/

FREE Visitor Registration: https://wearevuka.com/mobility/sma-summit/tickets/

#NewUrbanEra #SMAforall #SMAsummit #urbantransport

Tshebedisano Burial Society

Founded in 1998 by Pamela Kebine Motlhabi, Tshebedisano boasts a founder with extensive experience in burial societies, funerals, financial management and banking. Pamela Kebine Motlhabi’s tenure as an executive member of the Gauteng and Soweto Funeral Undertakers Association from 2001 – 2007 underscores her leadership in the field.

Pamela was awarded Business Woman of Soweto in 2011 and received the ROCCI Business Woman award from First National Bank in 2011. She also received an award and a painting on behalf of Archbishop Desmond Tutu in 2013.

At Tshebedisano, we are proud of our highly skilled team, committed to delivering services of the utmost quality. Our offerings include a comprehensive guarantee covering both materials and labour, complemented by a diligent maintenance program. Our objective is to provide clients with a seamless, all-encompassing service experience.

Over the past 26 years, Tshebedisano has organised funerals for prominent individuals not only within South Africa but also in neighbouring countries. Our range of services include transportation such as hearses and family cars, provision of coffins, crockery, tents and chairs.

We assist in obtaining death certificates from the Department of Home Affairs, offer undertaker services, provide grave equipment, produce funeral pamphlets upon request, manage grave bookings, and oversee the respectful handling and preservation of the deceased in our mortuary facilities.

Find out more, visit https://tshebedisano.com/

South Africa needs an Oceans Economy Strategy

Image supplied: SAIMI

The South African International Maritime Institute (SAIMI) Chief Executive Officer, Odwa Mtati, says there is a need for an Oceans Economy Strategy which will encourage further growth, investment, job creation and enhance competitiveness within the sector. Speaking at the Oceans Economy conference held on 22 May 2024, Mtati said collaboration and partnerships are key to the success of implementation of such a strategy.

“Key national strategies have been developed to support the sector: the Industrial Action Plan, Comprehensive Maritime Transport Policy (CMTP), Operation Phakisa (Oceans Economy), Provincial Oceans Economy Frameworks and the draft Oceans Economy Masterplan. From its 2014 launch, Operation Phakisa has provided a blueprint for the development of an overarching oceans economy strategy. Taking into account trends and developments globally and locally, the Masterplan is expected to encourage further sector growth, investment, job creation and enhance competitiveness within SA’s oceans economy based on social compacting,” said Mtati.

Odwa Mtati, CEO of SAIMI.

In a well-received presentation, Mtati said collaboration and partnerships were key to the success of the implementation of the proposed Oceans Economy Masterplan. SAIMI, whose role is implementing interventions to bridge the skills gaps in the maritime sector by facilitating coordination between industry, educators, training providers and government entities, has a network of partnerships and works in collaboration with various organisations. These include maritime companies, research institutions, training providers, international maritime organisations, local NGOs, community groups, industry experts and academic leaders.

Mtati mentioned technological advances, environmental sustainability, global trade shifts, infrastructure development, education, training and workforce dynamics, including regulatory changes and changes in economic environment as the seven key drivers of change for the Oceans Economy.

“These drivers,” said Mtati, “among others, collectively impact on the future of the sector leading towards greater efficiency, technological adaptation and sustainability.” With some of its initiatives already fully operational and some in various stages of implementation, SAIMI has paved a path, and continues to do so, for the successful implementation of Operation Phakisa (Oceans Economy) through the mandate drawn from the national Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) to coordinate the education and skills development work streams. The outcomes are tangible.

Some of the major initiatives undertaken by SAIMI are:
  • The creation of a maritime skills knowledge base which has culminated in skills audits in various sectors such as aquaculture, small harbour, marine manufacturing, oil and gas, marine protection and oceans governance, fisheries and marine transport. This will culminate in the development of a framework for the supply and demand for skills in the maritime sector.
  • The promotion of maritime research and innovation which has resulted in the creation of a marine research and knowledge management roadmap. The roadmap has paved the way leading to research in marine information technology, maritime indigenous knowledge systems, oil and gas alternative energy, ocean governance, maritime economics and the promotion of small enterprises participating in the Oceans Economy.
  • Skills, education and training coordination which has given rise to the setting up of the National Seafarer Development Programme to promote seafarer development in the country, supporting maritime qualification and curriculum development, supporting the accreditation process of aquaculture demonstration centres, as well as the training of skippers, small-scale fisheries, Local Economic Development officials and traditional leaders.
SAIMI manages the National Seafarer Development Programme (NSDP), which is funded by the National Skills Fund.
  • Capacity building: maritime bursary schemes and post-doc grants were introduced, capacitation of TVET colleges to offer maritime qualifications and emerging researchers have also been given support.
  • Maritime advocacy: work done includes the definition and measurement of the size of the Oceans Economy, maritime awareness programmes, the promotion of the Oceans Economy programmes in coastal cities.

Charting the path to ethical growth at Fairtrade Africa’s Change Day 2024

Fairtrade Africa certified products on display at the Change Day event.

As the world faces escalating environmental challenges and growing inequalities, the demand for ethical markets has never been more urgent. Fairtrade Africa’s Change Day hosted on Wednesday, 28 August 2024, themed ‘Navigating a Fairer Future: Harnessing Global Market Dynamics for Ethical and Sustainable Growth’, addressed this pressing need head-on. 

This landmark event held at The President Hotel in Cape Town, with a virtual option available for international participants, brought together Fairtrade-certified producers, commercial partners, industry experts, and media from all corners of the world to explore how we can collectively drive the growth of ethical markets. 

Change Day brought together leading retailers, wine, cocoa, and coffee producers, trade justice advocates, climate activists, politicians, and development experts for a day of keynotes, panels, and interactive sessions. The aim was to empower stakeholders to leverage global market dynamics for more sustainable growth.

Mr. Isaac Tongolaat, Executive Director, Fairtrade Africa.

Addressing the urgency of evolving ethical markets

The rapid globalisation of trade has brought both opportunities and challenges, especially for producers in the Global South. The growth of ethical markets is crucial in ensuring that these farmers and producers receive fair compensation, work under humane conditions, and contribute to our environment sustainably.

As traditional market structures struggle to keep pace with the needs of millennial and Gen-Z consumers who demand equity and transparency, Fairtrade emerges as a crucial solution – promoting fairness from farm to store shelf.

“Sustainable change is not just an option; it’s a necessity. With climate change, resource depletion, and social inequities threatening the future of our planet, it’s imperative that we rethink how we do business,” comments Isaac Tongolaat, Executive Director at Fairtrade Africa. 

This year’s Change Day delved into actionable strategies that align with the global push for sustainability, addressing topics like value addition, e-commerce, and evolving market regulations as well as finding more attractive ways to entice younger people into farming and ensuring the sector’s long-term economic and environmental sustainability. The discussions highlighted the role of women and youth in driving these changes, showcasing success stories that prove sustainable growth is achievable.

Paul Colditz, Commercial Director, Fairtrade Africa, South Africa.

Attendees had the opportunity to engage with leading industry figures who shared their insights on navigating the complexities of today’s global markets, from understanding emerging trends to adapting to new regulations. The event also provided a platform for producers to share their perspectives on expanding their reach in an ever-evolving market landscape.

The dialogue, knowledge, and strategies shared at Fairtrade Africa’s Change Day represent a positive step toward shaping the future of ethical and sustainable trade, ensuring it becomes the norm rather than the exception.

For more information please visit www.fairtradeafrica.net or contact s.ndlovu@fairtradeafrica.net

Fairtrade Africa Change Day, 28 August 2024.
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