South African Innovation Summit (SAIS) has been at the heart of Africa’s innovation journey for 16 years, serving as a cradle of entrepreneurial success. Hosting tens of thousands, SAIS has grown from a premier startup conference to the largest innovation event on the continent.
As a leading enabler of innovation and entrepreneurship in Africa, SAIS connects start-ups, investors, and corporate entities, driving growth and development across the region. Since 2007, SAIS has supported entrepreneurs by providing platforms for networking, skill development, mentorship, and funding opportunities.
The SA Innovation Summit is the foremost and most widely known event hosted by SAIS. It is the largest professional and networking conference for tech startups in Africa.
Through its comprehensive programme of innovation challenges, pitch battles, workshops, networking opportunities, and exhibitions, SAIS stimulates the growth of new enterprises and fosters a culture of innovation. It plays a crucial role in catalysing the region’s economic growth by empowering entrepreneurs with the tools, knowledge, and connections necessary to succeed in the global market.
The 2024 edition of EasternCape Business is the 17th edition of this successful publication that, since its launch in 2006, has established itself as the premier business and investment guide for the Eastern Cape.
The Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC) is supporting this issue of the journal, both in providing up-to-date information for editorial use and in sharing information about its activities. It will also distribute the journal through its regular channels.
While the Eastern Cape has deservedly earned the title of South Africa’s wind energy province, there are other developments taking place in East London, the Coega SEZ and near Humansdorp that promise to give new meaning to new energy. Vanadium batteries, green ammonia and green hydrogen are among the aspects that form part of the Special Feature on energy that appears in this journal.
The centenary of the massively important automotive industry is celebrated with reference to Ford Motor Company’s start in the “Auto City” of Port Elizabeth, as it was known, in 1924. The province’s two Special Economic Zones are attracting investors and exports are on an upward trajectory, which will be helped by upgrades of the Eastern Cape’s three ports.
Overviews are provided on the other key economic sectors of the province and the potential of the oceans economy and the prospects of oil and gas for this coastal province are examined. The major business chambers in the province have made contributions to the journal and the newest chamber, the Maritime Business Chamber, which has its headquarters a short distance up the hill from the Port of Gqeberha, makes its second appearance in the journal.
To complement the extensive local, national and international distribution of the print edition, the full content can also be viewed online at www.easterncapebusiness.co.za. Updated information on the Eastern Cape is also available through our monthly e-newsletter, which you can subscribe to here, in addition to our complementary business-to-business titles that cover all nine provinces as well as our flagship South African Business title. In 2020 the inaugural edition of The Journal of African Business was published. View all publications as eBooks here.
Chris Whales Publisher, Global Africa Network
Eastern Cape Business 2024 Edition – A unique guide to business and investment in the Eastern Cape
In a year which celebrated a century of automotive investment in the province, new sectors such as renewable and alternative energy are growing, and large infrastructure projects are underway. The province’s ports and Special Economic Zones are receiving upgrades and investments.
Tourism — The World Bank is putting R65-million into conservation.
Browse the eBook here:
About the cover
Main image, then top right and clockwise down; huge wind turbines are bringing power to the national grid and development to the Mfengu people of the Tsitsikamma (Cennergi Services); the Eastern Cape is a popular destination for TV and film (ECDC); diverse businesses are choosing the East London Industrial Development Zone (ELIDZ); H&M is running a sustainability programme with sheep farmers (Mark Sampson); the Isuzu D-MAX is made in Gqeberha (Motus Isuzu); dairy is a vibrant sector (ELIDZ); home to the Big Seven, including Great Whites and whales (Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism); Valley of Desolation, Graaff-Reinet (Graaff-Reinet Tourism).
Distribution
Eastern Cape Business is distributed internationally on outgoing and incoming trade missions, through trade and investment agencies; to foreign offices in South Africa’s main trading partners around the world; at top national and international events; through the offices of foreign representatives in South Africa; as well as nationally and regionally via chambers of commerce, tourism offices, airport lounges, provincial government departments, municipalities and companies.
The Western Cape Government’s 11th Annual Smart Procurement Conference saw 500 provincial and municipal officials and suppliers meet to learn, share knowledge and network. The event’s key focus areas included strategic procurement and public-private partnerships, and the conference explored how these can enhance infrastructure delivery and build strong, sustainable communities.
Attendees at this important event included heads of supply chain in the province, engineers, asset managers, chief buyers, local economic development managers, chief financial officers and municipal managers, as well as suppliers. Officials from the national, provincial and municipal spheres of government outside the Western Cape also participated, to address shared challenges and opportunities currently facing public procurement.
Organised by Smart Procurement World, which has partnered with the Western Cape Government for the past 10 years to host successful procurement events in the region, the conference took place in Wilderness this year. It was a collaboration between the George Municipality and the Garden Route District.
This event supports the Western Cape Government’s bold economic growth strategy, “Growth for Jobs”, which includes prioritising infrastructure development as a catalyst for the creation of jobs and strengthening public-private partnerships so that the Western Cape becomes South Africa’s economic hub. The conference organisers stress that to achieve the province’s economic transformation goals, it is critical that governance principles are understood and upheld by all role players in the procurement and supply chain management space.
It is also imperative to build capacity in this important sphere and empower officials and suppliers with the latest knowledge and skills to navigate the evolving supply chain landscape – including upcoming legislative changes.
The two-day conference’s powerful programme included sessions exploring topics ranging from energy procurement and public-private partnerships for infrastructure delivery to sustainable construction, urbanisation and urban mobility. The power of procurement as a catalyst for change and prosperity was on the agenda, too, and attendees explored opportunities to uplift and empower communities through strategic sourcing. The event also featured practical workshops for attendees, including one in which National Treasury discussed transversal contracting.
Among the key learnings delivered by this conference was the need for the Western Cape to build closer working relationships with policy makers like National Treasury; to address risks posed by the construction mafia; accelerate performance driven procurement; support suppliers; and ensure that all role players are prepared for the impact of the Public Procurement Bill.
A highlight of the conference was the supplier open day in George, which was sponsored by Absa and George Municipality and attended by 218 representatives from small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs). This provided an invaluable opportunity for Garden Route District buyers and other stakeholders to engage with local suppliers to understand what they need to work successfully with different organs of state and private companies.
Suppliers also had the opportunity to learn how to register on the different databases of Government and private companies. The supplier open day included presentations designed to give suppliers important insights and advice on doing business with government. Regulations and different funding models were unpacked to empower suppliers.
Commenting on this successful event, Dr KJ Haarhoff, deputy director: Strategic Growth and Economic Development at George Municipality, said that the Supplier Open Day had received positive feedback. “A key focus was to strengthen our partnerships by fostering mutual understanding and collaboration. Suppliers commended the event for creating an environment conducive to networking and relationship building. The dedicated networking sessions allowed suppliers to connect not only with our procurement team but also with each other, paving the way for potential synergies and collaborations within our supply chain.”
Delegates have also commended this year’s conference. Tebello Mpuru from the Garden Route District Municipality commented: “The Smart Procurement Conference has been an awesome experience, with all the procurement specialists gathered in one place and very relevant discussions, including on infrastructure, which is most critical. All these discussions and having everyone here has been very fruitful and will benefit our operations.”
Santie Roy, director: Local Government Supply Chain Management for the Western Cape Government, said that her key takeaway from the conference was the power of collaboration and developing relationships. “This is how we overcome silos and cooperate better within the different spheres of government. Not only do we have better working relationships, but we get to make friends along the way and it helps towards service delivery. I will always recommend this event in future,” she stated.
This is how we overcome silos and cooperate better within the different spheres of government. Not only do we have better working relationships, but we get to make friends along the way and it helps towards service delivery. I will always recommend this event in future.
Panellists who reported on the operational progress made to date by the National Logistics Crisis Committee (NLCC) and the results achieved.
According to The Professional Body for Supply Chain Management (SAPICS), which has hosted the conference since 1975, supply chain management gained prominence during the Covid-19 pandemic. It is an increasingly important and in-demand profession, SAPICS says, as ongoing volatility fuelled by geopolitical conflicts, climate crises and economic instability impacts global supply chains.
Speaking at the opening of the conference, SAPICS president MJ Schoemaker stated that it is more critical than ever for supply chain managers to share and update their knowledge as change has become the only constant in the profession. This year, not-for-profit company SAPICS presented the conference in association with the Southern African Association of Freight Forwarders (SAAFF).
Held under the theme “Supply Chain Metamorphosis”, to reflect the changes in today’s dynamic supply chain landscape, the 2024 conference programme featured 128 African and international experts and thought leaders who shared their insights and expertise with attendees over three days. In a compelling update on the work of the National Logistics Crisis Committee (NLCC), Ian Bird, who is the Senior Executive responsible for the Transport and Logistics focal area at Business for South Africa (B4SA), reported on the operational progress made to date by the NLCC and the results achieved.
He revealed that the number of trains cancelled on the North Corridor due to security incidents has been reduced by 50%. The length of the N4 border queue has been cut from 16km to 3km. A 36% reduction in container vessels’ waiting time at anchor has been achieved, along with a 73% reduction in the number of vessels at anchorage.
Crucial discussion on South Africa’s ports
In a crucial discussion on South Africa’s ports, panellists representing Transnet and business debated the impact of Transnet’s monopoly, non-investment and the growing imperative for public-private partnerships to upgrade port terminals, back of port solutions and infrastructure like rail.
“Competition breeds efficiency,” stated Oscar Borchards, acting managing executive for the Western Cape Transnet Port Terminals. He and panellist Brenda Magqwaka, who is the general manager at the Office of the commercial executive at Transnet, revealed that the state-owned enterprise had benchmarked its port terminals against those in Singapore and Thailand. Borchards noted that compared to Thailand’s Laem Chabang port, the critical issue to be addressed in South Africa is the “boldness to invest and bring in redundancy”. “Even though Transnet is a monopoly, we realise we cannot go it alone,” Magqwaka told SAPICS Conference delegates.
Antoinette van Heerden, logistical affairs manager at the Fresh Produce Exporters’ Forum South Africa, stressed that South Africa is competing on fruit exports with South America where there are large ports, large vessels and low slot costs. “It is critical to focus on how to get out of the hole we are in quickly, and we need oversight to ensure that we do not end up here again. We must get to the point where we can get our fruit out at the port where we need to get it out. We can rough it for two more years, but after that, we need to see service excellence,” Van Heerden stated.
While supply chains get goods from manufacturers to end users, they also save lives. Strong healthcare supply chains are critical to get lifesaving medicines and health commodities to where they are needed, when they are needed, including to the most vulnerable communities. Recognising this, the 2024 SAPICS Conference featured a global public health supply chain track running throughout the event.
These sessions examined topics ranging from last mile distribution challenges across Africa to the successful use of drones for the delivery of blood, medicines and snakebite antivenom. Artificial intelligence’s role in reducing drug shortages by analysing huge volumes of data faster than any human could was also explored, along with the power of public-private partnerships to enhance public health supply chains.
Prashant Yadav, winner of the Most Innovative Presentation Award.
Focus on circular supply chains and sustainability
As our natural resources dwindle and carbon emissions rise, circular supply chains are becoming more critical than ever. Circularity and sustainability were the focus of several absorbing sessions at the 2024 SAPICS Conference.
An important new book, “Sustainable Supply Chain Orchestration”, co-written by world-renowned circular supply chain expert Deborah Dull and supply chain management leader Douglas Kent, was launched at this year’s conference. Dull and Kent introduced SAPICS Conference attendees to their “UNLEARN” model, a framework outlined in their book and designed to foster sustainable practices in an organisation.
“Our supply chains have been designed to drive cost efficiencies, optimise delivery times and ensure product quality. However, this focus has contributed to unsustainable practices that compromise the well-being of our planet and society. We can no longer tolerate excessive packaging, inefficient logistics which increase greenhouse gas emissions, single-use plastics, exploitive labour practices, improper waste disposal or chemical runoff. Supply chain leaders have an enormous impact on sustainability and a critical role to play in shaping a better tomorrow,” Dull said.
At the closing dinner that ended the conference on a festive note, prizes were awarded to the following outstanding speakers and exhibitors:
Best Speaker: Vanya Jansen
Most Innovative Presentation: Prashant Yadav
Best Panel Discussion: Market Shaping for Drones
Best Workshop: Mbuso Nkosi
Best Written Paper: Oliver Jones and Luis Freitas
Best Booth: GS1
Best Single Unit Exhibition Stand: Webfleet
Best Multiple Unit Exhibition Stand: Interrol
In addition to learning and networking, the SAPICS Conference organisers and delegates also found time during the conference to give back to those less fortunate. At a “Rise Against Hunger” meal packaging event, conference attendees packed 6 000 meals for disadvantaged communities.
Vanya Jansen, winner of the Best Speaker Award.
The Gold sponsors of the 2024 SAPICS Conference were SAP and VillageReach.
Since 1966, SAPICS has worked to elevate, educate and empower the community of supply chain professionals in South Africa and across the continent. This is done via membership, events, the annual conference and education courses and workshops through Authorised Education Providers and others.
SAPICS is registered in South Africa as a not-for-profit company. Its mandate is to ensure that any profits made are used towards the continual development and overall benefit of individuals and organisations in the supply chain management profession.
The annual SAPICS Conference is the leading event in Africa for supply chain professionals.
The Southern African Association of Freight Forwarders NPC (SAAFF) was established in 1921. For more than a century, SAAFF has played an essential role in freight forwarding and international trade, with members facilitating these activities through their dedicated involvement in the management of transportation, customs clearing, documentation, third-party payments, and many other elements of the international supply chain.
Each year in June, South Africa commemorates Youth Month as a tribute to the brave youth of 1976 who, 48 years ago, fought against the apartheid regime in defense of their right to education. In 2024, we also celebrate the strides made by the youth during 30 years of democracy in the country.
This year, the country commemorates Youth Day as part of its 30 years of democracy under the theme: “Actively embracing the socioeconomic gains of our democracy.”
Join us for the National Youth Day Commemoration on 16 June 2024 at the old Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane as we pay tribute to the heroes of the 1976 student uprising.
Before the formal program, the leadership will engage with real-time opportunities available for young people, as well as fitness activities. Tune in to the government’s social media platforms as we reflect on this important day and present various opportunities to our young people.
Our Youth. Our Future!
This message is brought to you by the National Youth Development Agency, an entity of the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities.
The National Youth Development Agency, together with the government, will lead collaborative efforts with other key economic role players to ensure that young people have access to real-time opportunities for their personal and collective development. By working together to move South Africa forward, we enable young people to become change-makers and a driving force for the effective transformation of our country into a better place for all.
The NYDA recognizes that South Africa’s youthful population presents an opportunity to boost economic growth, increase employment and reduce poverty. It also recognizes that young people bear the brunt of unemployment and provide young people with broader opportunities which must be sought.
It proposes the strengthening of youth service programmes and the introduction of new, community-based initiatives to offer young people life skills training and entrepreneurship training. The NYDA has achieved 100% of its targets for the year 2023/2024 and anticipates achieving another clean audit once audit is completed by September 2024.
Recent statistics paint a grim picture, however, there remains slight encouraging signs such as the overall increase of jobs and a movement of discouraged work seekers to active work searchers. Only through a social compact of all sectors of society can our ambitious goals be achieved. The NYDA doors remain open to any individual or institution who is committed to giving young people the hand-up they crave.
NYDA achievements for the year 2023/24
A total of 2 200 youth owned enterprises were supported with financial interventions and target met and exceeded due to the interest that young people have shown in the Programme and the NYDA willing to assist and support these young people.
A total of 43 163 young people were supported with non-financial business development interventions and target met and exceeded due to collaborations with local municipalities and provinces that we have MOU’s in place.
Jobs that were created and sustained through supporting entrepreneurs and enterprises were 7 319 and target met and exceeded due to the Grant programme that was oversubscribed by young people and the interest shown by them.
A total of 1 203 beneficiaries supported with business Development Support Services offered to young people by NYDA and the overachievement was due to partnership and Service Level Agreement established with FASSET to implement the project with 3 Universities: University of Pretoria, University of Free State and University of KwaZulu-Natal.
A total of 55 549 young people were capacitated with skills to enter the job market, through Life Skills and Job Preparedness and target met and exceeded due to a number of young people who shown interest in life skills and job preparedness offered by NYDA.
A total of 24 307 young people placed in jobs met and exceeded due to partnership established because of intensive focus on partnerships which increased the number of jobs for young people to be placed.
Revitalized Youth Service
Ten projects were contracted under the NYS program, all in various stages of implementation. By the end of March 2024, a total of 22,306 participants had obtained paid service opportunities. Among them, 18,115 participants had finished community service, while 4,357 young people had successfully transitioned into other income-generating opportunities.
The NYDA conducted a successful recruitment roadshow for the second cohort of the NYS program, targeting underserved communities across several provinces. This initiative enhanced the program’s visibility and engagement.
The Young Creatives Program (TYCP) is a collaboration with the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture led to the enrolment of 270 young creatives in the NYS program, providing them with opportunities in Community Arts Centres. This program is set to extend through to March 2025, with R13 608 000 (Thirteen Million Six Hundred and Eight Thousand Rand) allocated by the department to support it.
The report outlines the number of young people that participated in the Expanded National Youth Service over the year. Quarterly data shows fluctuations, with a notable increase in participation in the second quarter. For the period under review, we reported 16339 young people contributing to the unit meeting and over-achieving this specific target for 2023/24. The NYS unit primarily focused on voter education and activities initiated by partners. Non-Profit Organizations (NPOs) enrolled in the incubation program played a crucial role in implementing NYS Expanded Volunteer Projects (EVP), contributing significantly to the target of youth participation in the expanded volunteer program.
Impact of the program
At an individual level, participants received comprehensive training packages that included technical skills, professional development, emotional intelligence, and patriotism. These trainings aimed to prepare them for future employment and self-sufficiency.
At the community level, the NYS participants contributed to their local economies and communities by engaging in various activities such as waste removal, child safety, and food security programs. The presence of NYS participants helped raise awareness and support community initiatives.
BRICS Youth
The NYDA held a successful inaugural meeting of the BRICS Youth Council in December 2023 which approved a strategy document for the term of office of the Council. South Africa officially handed over the Chair of BRICS and the Council to Russia.
The Executive Chairpersons Office has established a BRICS South Africa Youth Chapter whose views will continue to feed into the BRICS Youth Council.
NYDA Amendment Bill
The NYDA Board and Management fully participated in the Committee meetings for the NYDA Amendment Bill during the third quarters which has ultimately resulted in recommendations of the Bill to the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces. The Bill has been recommended by the NCOP and the Bill has been sent to the President for signing into law. The NCOP Select Committee has met with the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities and has no fundamental challenges with the bill.
The Board expresses its appreciation to management and all employees for their efforts, oversight and support in achieving satisfactory performance through another clean audit outcome. We look forward to a better year ahead as we place youth at the front and centre of the economic recovery.
The growth of the township economy is vital for South Africa’s sustainable development and overall economic health. Townships, which are home to a significant portion of the country’s population, represent a largely untapped reservoir of economic potential. By focusing on the development of these areas, South Africa can achieve inclusive growth, reduce inequality, and create a more resilient economy.
1. Promoting inclusive economic growth
Townships house millions of South Africans who are often excluded from the formal economy. By investing in township economies, the country can promote inclusive economic growth that benefits all citizens. This approach ensures that economic opportunities are not confined to urban centers but are spread across all regions, fostering a more balanced and equitable economic landscape.
2. Job creation and poverty reduction
One of the most significant benefits of growing the township economy is job creation. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in townships are crucial for generating employment. Supporting these businesses can lead to significant job growth, helping to reduce the high unemployment rates prevalent in these areas. Employment opportunities in townships will also contribute to poverty alleviation and improve the living standards of residents.
3. Fostering entrepreneurship and innovation
Townships are vibrant communities with immense entrepreneurial spirit. By providing the necessary support, such as access to finance, business training, and infrastructure, the government and private sector can unlock this entrepreneurial potential. Fostering entrepreneurship in townships encourages innovation, drives economic diversification, and creates new market opportunities, which are essential for a dynamic and robust economy.
4. Enhancing social stability and cohesion
Economic disparity and lack of opportunities can lead to social unrest and instability. Growing the township economy can help address these issues by providing residents with economic opportunities and hope for a better future. Economic empowerment in townships fosters social cohesion, reduces crime rates, and builds more resilient and stable communities.
5. Leveraging local resources and markets
Townships offer unique local resources and markets that, when effectively harnessed, can contribute significantly to the national economy. Local businesses can cater to the specific needs of their communities, creating a thriving internal market. Moreover, by developing local supply chains and encouraging local production, townships can reduce dependency on imports and enhance self-sufficiency.
The growth of the township economy is not just a moral imperative but a strategic economic necessity for South Africa. The upcoming Township Economies Conference & Expo aims to delve into unlocking the economic potential of township businesses by providing them with access to industry experts to help them grow their businesses.
By investing in township development, the country can achieve inclusive growth, reduce poverty and inequality, foster entrepreneurship, enhance social stability, and leverage local markets and resources.
This comprehensive approach will contribute to a more resilient, dynamic, and prosperous South African economy.
The Middelburg Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) and the Steve Tshwete Local Municipality (STLM) are jointly hosting an Energy Conference designed to attract investors interested in green energy opportunities.
What are the reasons for investing in Middelburg, Mpumalanga?Are there sustainable investment opportunities in the region? What can companies invest in?
Governments, NGOs and researchers sometimes disregard the Highveld economy. Insufficient information prevents accurate scrutiny of national and international activities whereas with the correct information, it soon becomes clear that there are rich potential investment opportunities. The Steve Tshwete Local Municipality in Middelburg is home to three Eskom power stations and over 150 mines within a 100 km radius.
One of many local manufacturers is a top South African exporter and also supplies local manufacturers, such the motor industry. Between 1996 and 2020, companies in STLM contributed R48-billion to GDP, an increase of 2%. In 2022, the coal industry employed 90 977 people and generated a turnover of R252.3-billion with a production of 231.2-million tons.
The Just Energy Transition
If you talk about electricity or coal mining in this region, people immediately dismiss it as a national responsibility, and it is assumed that people in the region should not have an opinion. The impact of the Just Energy Transition (JET) on the Highveld region in Mpumalanga is being ignored and is ineffective.
JET projects continue. An example is the repurposing of the Komati power station. Government and big business have recognised that the repurposing of Komati has been a failure but JET organisations are failing to learn lessons from the Komati project. JET supports consultants and non-profit organisations in Mbombela, Gauteng and Cape Town through grants for research projects. These organisations have no interest in the Mpumalanga Highveld and their projects have limited effect.
MCCI President Moeketsi Mpotu said at the AGM of the organisation in March 2024 that local businesses need to be the voice of reason. The current JET strategy will have a negative impact on STLM and Emalahleni businesses, including all businesses that supply, transport, export and provide services from the Gauteng region.
What does STLM offer investors?
Agriculture, manufacturing, mining and power generation are our strongest sectors. Creditors are better paid by Middelburg’s businesses, with a rate of over 60%. Our per-capita reserve of technical skills is one of the highest in Africa. Skilled artisans and engineers are in abundance in our community.
In addition, STLM has:
A designated economic zone in Mpumalanga
Available land for manufacturers (working on opportunities to serve new investors)
One of the top four performing municipalities in the country
Consistent economic growth for decades
Infrastructure
One hour’s drive from the industrial areas of Gauteng. Airfield is able to (and does) host jet aircraft. Middelburg is at the junction of the N4, N12, N11, R104 and R555, bypassing any blockage on the N3 to Durban harbour or to the Zimbabwe border.
The MCCI has a rich history since 1903 of engaging businesses worldwide and has insights into local business intelligence.
Energy & Investment Conference
We invite you to our conference on 25 July 2024 in the STLM Banquet Hall.
Each year women-owned conference company, Pinpoint Stewards, together with their media partners, go on a quest to profile women in SA mining, ensuring equal reporting of women leading in mining and how these change-makers are impacting the mining sector.
The women featured below will be speaking at the annual Women & Leadership in Mining Conference taking place on 28 & 29 August at the NH Collection, Sandton. “We will again be hosting the event in women’s month to ensure August ends on a high. Each year mining companies send their women-capital to attend the 2-day conference to Develop, Unite and Empower them, it’s DUE!” says organiser Ankia Roux.
Now more than ever, laws, proposed white papers and internal policies are making it easier for women to not only picture a career in mining but to excell, and they are seizing the opportunities. This positive movement is echoed in the theme for this year’s conference: Safeguarding and encouraging the future progress of women to reach for higher ground.
1 of 6
Mpho Nyarela, WIM Chairperson Limpopo RTF, Exco Member Palabora Mining Company
Kristell Holtzhausen, previous Company Secretary, African Rainbow Minerals Ltd, Ferrous Division (Assmang) and Independent Governance Consultant to various mining companies.
Hendrietta Sarile, Environmental Coordinator: Systems and Compliance Exploration, Ivanplats
Nomvula Ngcobo, Engineering Manager – Asset & Maintenance Management, Central – Randfontein, Harmony Gold Mining Company Ltd
Some of these women have been in the mining sector long before supporting policies and laws. They include: Nomvula Ngcobo, Engineering Manager – Asset & Maintenance Management, Central – Randfontein, Harmony Gold Mining Company Ltd, who is the group engineering manager at Harmony Gold with over 17 years experience in mining and will be speaking on why women should be retained and developed in mining.
With experience spanning over two decades is Kristell Holtzhausen, previous Company Secretary, African Rainbow Minerals Ltd, Ferrous Division (Assmang). She will share her experience in overcoming burn-out through applying mental awareness and wellbeing at the workplace.
Women accessing the mining sector through modernization towards safety and sustainability will be the focus of Bontle Mtshengu, Founder & Co-Owner, Quantum Leap Smart Engineering, who started her own business as she stepped away from corporate for a moment to balance life with a career spanning over 23 years in mining.
Mpho Nyarela, WIM Chairperson Limpopo RTF Exco Member, Palabora Mining Company will look at the topic of re-writing HR policies to align with targets and include the influx of women at a faster tempo. She has a Mining Degree and Masters in Business Administration, Governance and Finance and is the Women In Mining Chairperson, Limpopo RTF EXCO.
Panel discussion
The composition of women in mining forums and committees will include 3 women-in-mining-chairs: Hendrietta Sarile, Environmental Coordinator: Systems and Compliance Exploration at Ivanplats, Cynthia Muvhango, Mine Engineer at Foskor Pty Ltd and Mpho Nyarela, mentioned above.
Other speakers include: Dr Adwoa Boaduo Issaka, Unit Manager Safety at Goldfields, Nozipho Dlamini, Mine Manager at Thungela Resources, Ofentse Debete, Section Manager Mining at Goldfields and Nandi Sibanyoni, Executive Head, SHE, at Anglo American-Kumba Iron Ore.
Giving back
Pinpoint Stewards will be donating a percentage of the proceeds to beneficiaries WiMSA and Lighthouse Baby Shelter. They annually also support 20 post-graduate students to attend the two day conference for free, to meet a mentor, job shadowing opportunity or a career in mining.
To enquire or form part of the conference email info@pinpointstewards.co.za or register online before 1 July for a quote www.pinpointstewards.co.za
Pretoria, June 2024: 2023 was a challenging year for South Africans, marked by a record-breaking 332 days of load shedding, highlighting a severe escalation in the country’s power supply crisis—an alarming 61% increase from 2022.¹
The figures reflect deep-rooted issues within Eskom, the state-owned power utility and highlight the urgent need for innovative solutions to the country’s ongoing energy crisis. The inaugural Tshwane Energy Summit 2024, from 19 – 20 June, is poised to address these critical challenges head-on as key stakeholders from the energy sector meet to problem-solve solutions.
“It’s essential we continue to plan for an energy-secure future, building capacity independent of Eskom. I look forward to hearing from industry leaders on how we can achieve that goal at the Tshwane Energy Summit. We cannot simply hope that the lights will stay on after elections,” commented Councillor Cilliers Brink, Executive Mayor of the City of Tshwane ahead of the Tshwane Energy Summit 2024 that takes place from 19 – 20 June.
“A reliable supply of energy is an essential precondition for sustained economic growth and development, and the country’s energy crisis and load shedding we currently experience puts a cap of 2% on national GDP growth.”
The inaugural Tshwane Energy Summit promises to bring together some of the top minds in the South African energy and business sectors, energy industry leaders and policymakers, among other participants – with a shared mission to make Tshwane’s commitment to becoming a net-zero carbon and climate-resilient city by 2050 – a reality.
The stage is set for an impressive line-up of speakers, all prominent industry players who will interactively drive the dialogue around best practice and solicit feedback from stakeholders.
Setting the scene, Vuyo Zitumane, Chief Operations Officer from the City of Tshwane, will discuss the state of energy and the energy action plan including energy generation, the recommissioning of Rooiwal and Pretoria West Power Stations as well as the ambitious goal to secure 1,000MW of energy independent of Eskom by 2026.
Sello Mphaga, Divisional Head: City Sustainability Unit (CSU) and chair of Tshwane Energy Task Team joins Brian Day, chairperson of the South African Independent Power Producers Association (SAIPPA), and others (Patrick Ngoepe, Deputy Director of General Urban Planning; Nhlanhla Ngidi, Head of Electricity and Energy at South African Local Government Association (SALGA) and Silus Zimu, special advisor to the Ministry of Electricity) to provide insights into South Africa’s municipal energy framework, embedded generation trends, off-grid opportunities as well as the impact of revenue on local government and building a win-win model.
Ngidi, in his SALGA position, currently plays a pivotal role in the industry advocating for policy reforms enabling the municipalities to embrace the current energy transition and to achieve smart and sustainable energy business models.
Mohan Vivekanandan, Group Executive: Client Coverage for the Development Bank of Southern Africa will join Andre Pienaar, founder and chairperson of C5 Capital and Tshepo Mahloele, founding CEO of Harith General Partners to lead discussions about the role of Developmental Financial Institutions in Municipal Infrastructure Development.
Despite policy developments on electrification, South Africa still faces significant challenges around energy poverty. Included in the lineup is Sello Mphaga, Divisional Head of City Sustainability and Chair of the Energy Task Team at the City of Tshwane, who’ll lead a session to deliberate on initiatives falling under Tshwane’s Energy Response Plan and Climate Change Plan to accelerate urban development, with a focus on building sustainable cities and reducing and assessing greenhouse gas emissions.
“Where there are good conversations, there is potential for progress; and this is crucial in developing an action plan for the implementation of agreed sustainable energy solutions for the City of Tshwane and beyond,” comments Paseka Rakosa, Senior Manager: Marketing, Communications and Stakeholder Engagement at the Tshwane Economic Development Agency (TEDA).
The Dutch energy sector creates smart solutions for a sustainable future, working alongside a mix of businesses and world-class knowledge institutes and is recognised as one of the top countries for research and development. Theo Cilliers, chief executive of Renewable Energy Storage and Hydrogen (RESH2) Solutions, a highly innovative Dutch renewable energy company specialising in designing, modelling, evaluating, developing, and implementing renewable energy solutions across the globe, will share how the Netherlands have successfully developed solutions to move off grid and utilise refurbished power stations in a bid to alleviate power challenges.
RESH2 focuses on collaborative renewable energy projects between the Netherlands and several other countries. Cilliers will share key learnings from their latest impact project – Koegas Green Hydrogen in the Northern Cape – to explain how their innovative and highly disruptive quantitative evaluation engine supplies their clients with the forecasted amount of energy on demand.
The summit will also create a platform for dialogue and discussion, fostering collaboration to optimise the grid and ensure reliable energy supply. Plenaries will investigate current partnerships that national, provincial and local governments have in place, and discusses the countries that have climate initiatives to guide South Africa to net zero by 2050; as well as insights into international and local trends in the energy sector, and what could work for the City of Tshwane to accelerate the technology innovation within the energy sector.
“We encourage key sectors of the economy to join and learn more about the various technologies and alternative energy supply solutions available to drive economic growth and sustainability of their businesses,” adds Rakosa.
The summit will culminate with delegates attending breakaway sessions, discussing enabling renewable energy procurement from IPPs for all municipalities and encouraging the private sector to work with the City’s procurement processes with the move to alternative energy sources.
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Member of the Audit Bureau of Circulations
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