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Conversations on infrastructure, investment and innovation

The upcoming Tshwane Energy Summit on 19-20 June is set to ignite the Tshwane’s energy action plan to free the city from current energy challenges, due to loadshedding and failing electricity infrastructure.

Traditionally, South Africa has relied on local coal and imported crude oil as primary energy sources. Sadly this, coupled with Eskom’s flailing electricity infrastructure and lack of additional energy generating sources, is responsible for affecting the daily lives and livelihoods of residents all over the country.

In Tshwane itself, the loadshedding situation has had a more dire effect, for not only has the existing electricity infrastructure been significantly damaged, depleting maintenance budgets at a rapid rate, but criminal attacks on the existing infrastructure are also on the rise.

This has led to the city of Tshwane taking the lead to problem-solve its local energy crisis, hoping that, together with various stakeholders from the energy sector, these challenges can be solved by introducing renewable energy into the grid, thereby reducing the reliance on current energy supplies.

With the ambitious goal to gain 1000 MW of energy independence from Eskom by 2026, and commitments to source 10% of Tshwane’s electricity from renewable energy by 2030 and 80% by 2050, key energy players, along with companies, domestic and international organisations, are invited to discuss the strategies required to move to cleaner technologies and source electricity from Independent Power Producers.

“We believe a multi-stakeholder approach will be key to achieving an energy resilient future for Tshwane, one where collaboration, partnerships and conversations between local and international organisations take centre stage,” says Paseka Rakosa, Senior Manager: Marketing, Communications and Stakeholder Engagement at the Tshwane Economic Development Agency (TEDA).

Gathered industry leaders, policymakers and business stakeholders will enjoy a packed 2-day itinerary at the 2024 Tshwane Energy Summit, filled with sector-focused, solution-driven discussions, keynote addresses and plenary sessions, gaining invaluable insights on how to navigate the complexities faced in the energy sector.

“Policy reforms, along with developing infrastructure, like solar panels and electric vehicle charging stations, need to play a significant role in our efforts to become energy independent and transition to cleaner energy,” added Rakosa.

Showcasing cutting-edge technologies and energy-related products from energy companies, the summit will delve into what sustainable energy security could look like, promising thought-provoking public-private partnership discussions, engagements with academia, research institutions and investors.

Attendees are invited to help co-creating the roadmap to address these collective energy challenges, and drive the change so desperately needed to help stabilise Tshwane’s local energy economy.

By addressing immediate challenges around electricity infrastructure investment, maintenance and how best to ensure both energy independence and the transition to renewable energy, Tshwane will help position both the city and South Africa as a global player in the manufacturing space.

TEDA and the city of Tshwane believe these efforts will provide a necessary cushion for consumers and businesses in a tough economy and potentially lead to a drop in the prices of electricity.

For more information about the summit and to register to attend or exhibit, please visit TEDA’s website: https://teda.org.za/tes2024/

Rise of procurement demands a new breed of multi-skilled, strategic thinking, tech-savvy professionals

Debbie Tagg, Smart Procurement COO

“Gone are the back-office penny pinchers of old. Procurement professionals today are strategy shapers, value-generators, innovators and relationship builders involved in all aspects of the business, and who have a seat and voice at the executive table. The field of procurement has evolved from a transactional function focused primarily on cost savings to a driver of business strategy, innovation and sustainability. With supply chains facing ongoing challenges, and more businesses recognising the importance of risk management and ethical sourcing, the role of procurement professionals is going to become ever more critical,” Tagg states.

She asserts that in South Africa, the introduction of the Public Procurement Bill will further elevate and test the profession. “As Chief Justice Raymond Zondo said: ‘the sheer number of acts and regulations which addresses procurement issues makes it very difficult for conscientious officials to get a clear understanding of them’.

“This is a new era for procurement and the rise of our profession is only just beginning. Traditionally, procurement was seen as a back-office function, centred around purchasing goods and services at the lowest possible cost. That has changed, driven by factors like globalisation, technology, sustainability and risk management,” Tagg says.

“Today’s procurement professionals must navigate diverse markets, regulations and risks. They must have a deep understanding of global supply chain dynamics and strategic sourcing. The advent of digital tools and platforms has revolutionised procurement processes, enabling greater efficiency, transparency and data-driven decision-making. Technologies like artificial intelligence, blockchain and the Internet of Things (IoT) have further enhanced procurement’s ability to manage complex supply chains. Today’s procurement professionals must be more technology savvy than ever before.

“Rising awareness of environmental and social issues has pushed procurement to the forefront of corporate sustainability efforts. Ethical sourcing, supplier diversity and sustainable procurement practices are now integral to many organisations’ strategies.

The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the importance of robust risk management in procurement. Supply chain disruptions highlighted the need for agility, resilience and contingency planning, further elevating the strategic importance of procurement. To mitigate risks, procurement professionals today must be adept relationship builders, cultivating and maintaining mutually beneficial partnerships with suppliers.”

In South Africa, the new Public Procurement Bill, aimed at overhauling the country’s public procurement framework, presents new challenges and opportunities to the profession, Tagg says. “Education and skills development are crucial to ensure that procurement professionals can rise to the challenges and seize the opportunities,” she stresses.

Recognising this, Smart Procurement has enhanced and expanded its education, networking and knowledge sharing offerings for the profession. The organisation has been connecting and educating procurement and inbound supply chain professionals across Africa for more than 19 years. “Our aim is to ensure that Africa keeps pace with the latest global trends and best practices in procurement through our communications platforms, training and development initiatives.”

The 11th Annual Western Cape Procurement Conference takes place in George from 10 to 12 June 2024. “This year, we shift our attention to the pivotal role of procurement in shaping resilient communities and fostering sustainable infrastructure in the Western Cape and beyond. The conference will explore how procurement, through strategic practices and collaborative partnerships, can drive positive change and contribute to the growth of our local communities. We eagerly anticipate the convergence of public sector procurement professionals, local economic development experts and business stakeholders dedicated to advancing the economic landscape of the Western Cape,” says Tagg.

KwaZulu-Natal’s largest supply chain and procurement conference will return to Durban this year after a four-year hiatus. Hosted by eThekwini Municipality in partnership with Smart Procurement World, the fifth KwaZulu-Natal Smart Procurement World event will bring together stakeholders committed to enhancing the region’s infrastructure and manufacturing capabilities to drive sustainable growth and enable supply chain resilience. This important gathering takes place at Durban’s Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre from 25 to 27 June 2024. It will be held under the theme “Strengthening Infrastructure and Manufacturing Supply Chains for Future Growth”.

The 18th Annual Smart Procurement World Indaba takes place in Johannesburg from 9 to 12 September 2024. This year, the annual Sustainability Summit Africa will run alongside it. The indaba is South Africa’s largest procurement and inbound supply chain event. “The DNA of Procurement” is this year’s theme. Tagg explains this: “Just as the DNA carries the genetic information that shapes living organisms, the DNA of procurement intricately weaves through every aspect of the supply chain, determining its structure, resilience and ultimate success.”

This is the fourth annual Sustainability Summit Africa. “The event’s growing success reflects the increasing importance of sustainable procurement practices, which are critical not just for achieving environmental goals, but also in ensuring the longevity of small businesses and the economic stability of organisations, communities and regions. Sustainable procurement impacts an organisation’s human rights, labour rights and good governance; its enterprise development initiatives; transformation and gender parity programmes; social and community priorities,” says Tagg.

To find out more or get involved in these events as an exhibitor, delegate or media partner, contact info@smartprocurementworld.com or visit www.smartprocurementworld.com


Journey to sustainability and innovation: Unpacking the trends of the future

Africa is home to one of the world’s fastest-growing populations, reaching a projected 2.5-billion people by 2050, driving the demand for diverse and innovative food and beverage products and culinary experiences for sustainable options. So, it’s not surprising that the food & beverage industry in Africa is currently valued at US$313-billion and said to triple in size by 2030.

Join industry leaders as they explore the hottest trends and groundbreaking innovations transforming the world of food and beverage retail at Africa’s Big 7, the premium retail-ready food and beverage event in Africa from 11-13 June 2024, at the Sandton Convention Centre. 

“The future of food & beverage is all about conscious consumption, exploring the ‘what,’ ‘when,’ ‘who,’ and ‘how’ of our meals. Sustainability, regional sourcing, and innovative technologies take centre stage this year, with consumers demanding more traceability for the brands they support and products they buy,” remarks Margaret Peters, Event Manager: Food & Hospitality at dmg events, South Africa.

‘Eco-consciousness is key, with the demand growing for locally-sourced ingredients, regenerative agriculture growing and supporting your community.’

Join keynote speaker, Miles Kubheka, founder of Wakanda Food Accelerator, as he unpacks the transformation of Africa’s food system through innovation and partnerships.  Insights include navigating the future of Africa’s food systems, understanding how innovation is reshaping food categories, transforming investment opportunities, and what technologies are working to solve supply chain challenges whilst keeping food affordable and accessible.

As sustainability continues to move forward, the landscape of the packaging sector is undergoing a profound transformation, driven by increasing emphasis on environmental transparency, innovation, and enhanced consumer engagement in the F&B industry. More informative labelling, detailed information about food origins, curbing food waste, and circular packaging is becoming the order of the day.

Get insights from the panel discussion with Jayne Mammatt from Deloitte, Libstar’s Wendy Van Zyl and Sanjeev Raghubir, from the Shoprite Group, as they explore what this means for your bottom line and how to prioritise climate solutions to accelerate your journey to net zero.

Another market gaining traction is the Kasi economy, the modern South African township, a dynamic economy of informal cash businesses which fulfil the daily needs of its residents, and includes spaza shops, street hawkers, barbers, taxis and taverns.

According to ‘The rise of the township economy’ report by Retail Brief Africa, the value of the township economy is estimated to be R900 billion and approximately R150 billion in cash is spent at the estimated 150 000 spaza shops every year, contributing as much as 5.2% to South Africa’s GDP.

The township retail trade discussion, led by Mongezi Mtati, Senior Brand Strategist at Rogerwilco, will shine the spotlight on today’s retail trade sector and investigate how you can tap into the thriving township economy value chain and what this means for food accessibility, price, and the value of e-commerce. Understand the route to market, pricing models, messaging, funding options, re-fulfilment strategies, and new product categories.

Gathering the best in the business, showcasing quality and in-demand products across all sectors, from catering to bulk suppliers, Africa’s Big 7 offers something for everyone.

Don’t miss the 2024 Game of Chefs, an exciting culinary showdown between Africa’s most renowned chefs in a three-day battle of creativity and skill, SA Baker’s challenge for novice and seasoned bakers, as well as the Global Pizza Challenge and National Burger Challenge where passionate pizza makers, local chefs and amateur cooks compete for the ultimate pizza champion and best burger expert titles.

Find out more about the event at https://www.africabig7.com/ and join representatives from across Africa to redefine the food and beverage value chain through innovation, expertise and thought-provoking conversations, click here to register.

Quality and resilience characterise the 2024 South Africa Wine harvest

The 2024 harvest season was a true test of the South African wine industry’s resilience. Despite facing diverse and demanding climatic events, from frost and heavy winter rainfall to floods and wind, the industry’s adaptability and nimbleness transformed this harvest into one of the most remarkable in recent memory. With optimal ripening tempo, small berries and moderate, dry conditions during harvest, the stage is set for wines of unparalleled excellence to supply the domestic and more than 120 global markets.

“Excellent winter conditions in most wine-grape growing regions raised high expectations for the harvest,” says Dr Etienne Terblanche, Vinpro Consultation Services Manager. “However, the most significant impact of the spring conditions was the prolonged wet soils, which directly affected root systems and access to necessary plant reserves. The summer trend was markedly warmer and drier than the previous year, adding another layer of complexity to the harvest. One of the standout aspects of this season was the exceptional sanitary condition of the grapes – a rarity in rainy harvest seasons and a testament to the industry’s resilience and adaptability.”

The 2024 grape harvest yielded 1 099 051 tonnes from 87 848 hectares, a 7% decrease from 2023, according to the latest harvest estimate by industry body SAWIS. This, combined with strong market demand, has led to the industry’s wine stock levels reaching equilibrium – a significant achievement compared to some of our competitors, who are still grappling with a wine surplus and having to resort to drastic measures such as uprooting vineyards. While the lower volumes imply considerable cost pressure to wine producers, it also serve the sector’s commitment to ensuring value growth across markets.

The 2024 wine harvest – including juice and concentrate for non-alcoholic purposes, wine for brandy, and wine for distilling – is estimated to amount to 857.1-million litres, at a recovery of 780 litres per tonne of grapes.

Early cultivars yielded significantly lighter crop sizes than expected across most regions. The later red cultivars generally produced improved yields. Winemakers are excited about the wine quality overall, especially full-bodied red wines with exceptional colour and tannin extraction levels. On the white cultivar spectrum, oenophiles can look forward to fresh wines with ample texture and mouthfeel.

“The 2023/2024 season may have presented its share of obstacles, but it has also showcased the resilience and determination of the South African wine industry,” says South Africa Wine CEO Rico Basson. “This industry stands resilient, with our wine stock now in equilibrium. Despite fluctuations in harvest yields and vineyard surface areas, we are primed and prepared to supply the world with exceptional quality and distinctive wines.”

South Africa is the world’s seventh largest wine producer, producing approximately 4% of the world’s wine. The wine industry contributes more than R56.5-billion to the country’s GDP and employs 270 364 people across the value chain, of which 85 962 work on farms and cellars.

“The outstanding quality of the wines from the 2024 harvest underscores South Africa’s unwavering commitment to spotlighting its world-class offerings,” says Siobhan Thompson, Wines of South Africa CEO. “This achievement not only strengthens our foothold in the global market but also enhances our continuous efforts to seize a larger value share of export markets.”

“The South African wine industry is undergoing a strategic repositioning, shifting our focus to value growth. Through reinvestment for growth and collaborative strategies, we are forging a path to strengthen our industry and propel us towards a future of quality, innovation, and sustainability,” says Basson.

Overview of the production areas

Breedekloof

Grape analyses of all cultivars were within optimal ranges. For the white cultivars, it was a qualitative harvest. Colour development in red wines is exceptional and improved overall compared to cooler vintages.

Cape South Coast

Grapes harvested in 2024 appeared very healthy due to low rainfall during harvesting. Juice recoveries were lower than usual, but the excellent quality counterbalance is significant.

Cape Town

White wines boast good flavour intensity, and red wines hold promise with good colour development. The favourable winter, sufficient and timeous rainfall, and dry summer conditions culminated in an excellent season for producers and winemakers.

Klein Karoo

The 2024 season will be remembered for exceptionally high rainfall alongside excellent wine quality. This highlights that the timing of rainfall during the season is essential – in this case, heavy rain at the right time positively affected grape quality and yields. The wine quality of both white and red cultivars appears excellent at this early stage, and red wines seem promising with intense colour extractions.

Northern Cape

This vintage’s wines display a riper, tropical profile compared to the previous season. Wine quality was better than expected, especially for the red cultivars, and fuller-style wines seem to be the trend this year.

Olifants River

The 2024 season will be remembered as the flood year due to exceptional impact and damage from flooding. A consequence was high downy mildew pressure but also innovative thinking, with producers using drones for the first time for more effective disease control. Despite the significant losses from the floods, yields aligned with the previous season’s figures. Winemakers are enthusiastic about wines of outstanding quality.

Paarl

The 2024 season will be remembered for its highly wet and cold winter and spring, during which flooding occurred and infrastructure was damaged. With the arrival of summer, the weather changed to very dry and windy conditions, which affected crop size. January was hot, which brought the harvest forward. Due to these weather conditions, the region experienced much variation between farms, cultivars, and yields.

Robertson

Unusual climate challenges characterised the 2024 season. High humidity in the first half of the growing season brought significant challenges. Weather conditions adversely affected early cultivars’ yields, leading to low production. Despite the limitation on tonnage, the grapes were healthy, and the wine quality is excellent.

Stellenbosch

The 2024 season will be remembered for significant rainfall at the start of the season but little to no rainfall from the end of September to mid-February. Coupled with warm summer temperatures, these conditions accelerated the ripening of early cultivars, which led to lighter yields for early cultivars and, in some instances, less available irrigation water. The dry conditions, however, produced grapes of excellent quality. Superb wines are anticipated for the 2024 vintage.

Swartland

The 2024 season will be remembered for a lighter yield than initially expected. Favourable winter conditions set the stage for a larger crop. However, wet conditions in spring during budding and very dry, windy and hotter summer weather affected the final crop size. The quality of the grapes, however, was excellent and outstanding red wines are expected.

Worcester

Winemakers agree that most grapes were pressed at optimal ripeness with optimal sugar levels and will produce full-bodied wines. White cultivars were well buffered against the heat wave at the beginning of February due to sufficient irrigation water availability. Colour development across the spectrum of red cultivars has improved. Over the past few years, many marginal red cultivar blocks have been uprooted and new vines planted. The positive effect on the Worcester region’s red wine output is now becoming evident.

Read the full 2024 Harvest Report here: https://bit.ly/2024HarvestReport

Tshwane Energy Summit 2024

Hosted by the Tshwane Economic Development Agency (TEDA), the Inaugural Tshwane Energy Summit is set to be the premier gathering of energy industry leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders focused on driving sustainable energy solutions for the City of Tshwane and beyond.

Despite policy developments on electrification, South Africa still faces significant challenges
around energy poverty. The Tshwane Energy Summit 2024 aims to address these challenges by focusing on solutions to electricity supply issues, showcasing alternative energy technologies, and advancing the City of Tshwane’s Climate Action Plan.

This is also a call for key sectors of the economy to join and learn more about the various technologies and alternative energy supply solutions which are available to drive economic growth and sustainability of their businesses in the City of Tshwane.

Participating solutions providers will benefit from exclusive exposure and engagement with the City of Tshwane, its provincial and national stakeholders.

Women in Mining reach for higher ground

The Pinpoint Stewards’ Annual Women & Leadership in Mining Conference taking place on 28 & 29 August at the NH Johannesburg Hotel, Sandton, have just announced their speaker line-up with women represented across various levels of mining in South Africa.

The theme for this year’s conference is: Safeguarding and encouraging the future progress of women to reach for higher ground.

“The conference will give an update on implementation of laws, progress of white papers, internal guidelines and policies applied to overcome barriers for women to enter into mining – looking at strategies to not only accelerate but double the number of women in mining,” says Ankia Roux, Co-Owner, Pinpoint Stewards.

The all-women Speakers at this year’s conference include:
  • Nozipho Dlamini, Mine Manager THUNGELA RESOURCES
  • Dr Adwoa Boaduo Issaka, Unit Manager Safety GOLDFIELDS
  • Nandi Sibanyoni, Executive Head, SHE ANGLO AMERICAN- KUMBA IRON ORE
  • Ofentse Debete, Mine Manager GOLDFIELDS
  • Nomvula Ngcobo, Engineering Manager – Asset & Maintenance HARMONY GOLD MINING COMPANY LTD
  • Cindy Mabala, Rock Engineering Officer IMPALA PLATINUM LTD
  • Bontle Mtshengu, Founder & Co-Owner QUANTUM LEAP SMART ENGINEERING
  • Kristell Holtzhausen, Company Secretary (Previously) African Rainbow Minerals LTD – Ferrous Division (Assmang)
  • Hendrietta Sarile, Environmental Coordinator: Systems and Compliance Exploration IVANPLATS
  • Joining the panel of speakers are the DMRE and WiMSA.

“Male CEOs have been invited to speak and we hope to see at least one take to the podium this year,” says Ankia Roux. “We have to remember this is not a platform where men are bashed, but a platform where women share ways to co-exist and work along with their male counterparts with the main focus being given to topics such as: doubling the percentage of women in mining, overcoming barriers, enabling women in sustainable mining, being a successful leader, modernization towards safety and sustainability, and sexual harassment and bullying in the workplace, to name a few.

“A panel discussion will focus on the composition of women in mining forums and committees to achieve change and support women at the mine. If numbers are already below average equity targets, everything needs to be done to attract and keep women in the sector, and these committees’ roles and responsibilities will assist.”

Sponsors, exhibitors and partners are encouraged to contact info@pinpointstewards.co.za to register before 1 July for discounted rates.

Follow Pinpoint Stewards on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pinpoint-stewards/

SAPICS hosts AGM and appoints new directors

At its recent Annual General Meeting (AGM), SAPICS (The Professional Body for Supply Chain Management) shared the successful outcomes of an organisational restructuring embarked on last year. The association also reaffirmed its commitment to elevating, educating and empowering supply chain professionals across Africa and announced the appointment of three new directors who bring a wealth of experience and expertise to the SAPICS supply chain community.

SAPICS president MJ Schoemaker reported back on the end-to-end transformation that SAPICS started in 2023. “The board took on a more operational role in the running of SAPICS. Each board member was allocated a different operational pillar to focus on, to enable SAPICS to best meet the needs of our community. The impact of what we started in 2023 is showing results in 2024. The focus was to work smarter, leaner and to concentrate on elements that brought value to the association, from a network point of view, as well as financially.” Schoemaker noted that the results are now evident in SAPICS’s balance sheet and in the increased engagement by members.

Three new directors were voted onto the SAPICS Board at the AGM. Linda Cham is an accomplished supply chain professional with 15 years of experience in the FMCG and logistics industries. He is currently the head of Logistics at Varun Beverages / BevCo. Selepe Phetla is the national transport manager for bpSA. He is a seasoned supply chain professional with 19 years of experience in various roles. Phetla was voted onto the Board as a director this year, having worked on the membership pillar. Sandipa Maharaj, chief financial officer at Inhance, is a CA by profession. Her career has spanned countries and industries and includes deep experience in supply chain and logistics.

The new directors join Thato Moloi, Jonathan Mphake, Karen Pretorius, Nikita Reddy, MJ Schoemaker and Jan Tukker. Schoemaker will continue to serve as SAPICS president for the next six months, after which a president-elect will be appointed.

At the AGM, SAPICS and Schoemaker, who chaired the meeting, thanked outgoing directors David Crewe-Brown, Solly Engelbrecht and Chanti Wilson for their service and dedication.

Schoemaker said that SAPICS was excited about the upcoming 46th annual SAPICS Conference, which takes place in Cape Town from 9 to 12 June 2024. “This year is set to be bigger and even better than past events. With the challenges facing the supply chain profession, where change has been the only constant for some years, it is more important than ever for our community to have this critical opportunity to get together to learn, share knowledge and network,” she said. SAPICS is hosting this year’s conference in association with the Southern African Association of Freight Forwarders (SAAFF).

For more information or to register to attend the 2024 SAPICS Conference, visit the conference website: https://conference.sapics.org or contact the Conference Secretariat at Upavon Management on 011 023 6701 or email info@upavon.co.za

Big 5 Construct South Africa: Gateway to the country’s construction sector

  • The South African construction market is valued at $25.5 billion and is expected to grow at an average annual rate of over 3% from 2024 to 2027
  • Registrations are open for the 11th edition of Big 5 Construct South Africa, the largest construction industry event in the country, which runs from 4-6 June 2024 at the Gallagher Convention Centre, Johannesburg
  • Over 200 exhibitors from 20+ countries showcase products & services

South Africa’s construction sector is projected to grow thanks to government’s National Development Plan 2023, with numerous mega projects happening in all nine provinces; projects such as Mtentu Bridge, which is set to be Africa’s tallest bridge, the High-Speed Rail (HSR) framework and many others.

The South African construction market is valued at $25.5-billion and is expected to grow at an average annual rate of over 3% from 2024 to 2027, signifying a rapid increase in demand for manufacturers and suppliers. South Africa is the 3rd largest economy in Africa, commanding a GDP of $406-billion.

Big 5 Construct South Africa is the leading conduit for regional and international companies to showcase their expertise and knowledge to the South African construction industry. The event connects manufacturers, suppliers and service providers with construction professionals, architects, project managers, civil engineers, consultants, designers, urban planners, procurement managers and other professionals, all looking to source new suppliers and products.

International pavilions showcasing at this year’s event are India, Italy, Greece, Germany, Türkiye and China. Some of the participating countries include Jordan, Malaysia, Mozambique, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Thailand and the United Kingdom, among others.

“Last year, the South African construction sector made a significant impact, contributing approximately R109.5-billion (roughly $5.79-billion) to the country’s GDP, marking a notable increase from the previous year¹,” highlights Ben Greenish, Executive Vice President at dmg events.

“Recognizing this growth and potential, Big 5 Construct South Africa has been instrumental for over a decade in bringing together key figures from the construction sector, facilitating opportunities for collaboration and partnership between global and local enterprises to develop the extensive construction prospects in the country. Big 5 Construct South Africa nurtures networking, commercial interactions, and knowledge exchange among influential decision makers and professionals, accelerating the advancement of South Africa’s construction industry.”

The event will feature innovative products and services under construction sectors such as Building Interiors and Finishes; Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing; Concrete and Cement; Digital Construction; Windows, Doors and Facades; HVAC R; Construction Tools and Personal Protection Equipment; Urban Design and Landscape, Heavy Construction Equipment, Machinery and Vehicles; Solar Products, Technologies and Services.

“Once again we are proud to welcome a number of first time exhibitors this year,” said Greenish.

Saudi Arabia’s Almunif Pipes, a leading producer of plastic pipes and fittings; Turkey’s Parget Makina, which provides complete solutions and equipment for gypsum, plasterboard, cement, dry mortars, calcite, and perlite; and SA’s own, Rigifoam a leading supplier of high-quality polyurethane products.

Other new exhibitors include roof sheeting producers Clotan Steel, Fritz J SA, which supplies commercial and industrial roller doors and generators, and Alif Doors and Bolwa Securities from South Africa. From the USA, Lintech, which manufactures mechanical positioning components and systems will be exhibiting along with India’s Surie Polex, a manufacturer of floor polishing machines.

The event will feature 20 speakers and 20+ CPD-certified Big 5 Talks sessions. This year’s free-to-attend talks streams focus on the themes of Architecture, Smart Buildings, Contractors, Green Construction and Concrete.

The Stakeholders Engagement Forum marks the commencement of Big 5 Construct South Africa on the 4th of June and this year’s theme is Building Tomorrow’s Cities. The Forum will delve into crucial facets of construction such as the transformative approaches needed for sustainable urban development. The diverse sessions will cover a range of critical topics, such as water infrastructure, and strategic developments in road, rail and port expansions.

The African Smart Cities Summit is an exclusive gathering of private and public industry leaders, and Africa’s only dedicated conference that explores and tackles the continent’s readiness to adopt smart methodologies, technology, and creative thinking for implementation on current infrastructure.

Finally, Big 5 South Africa Impact Awards, which celebrates impact in construction by recognizing innovation and project excellence, will honour winners under 10 distinctive categories.

  • Architecture Firm of the Year
  • Community Project of the Year
  • Contractor of the Year
  • Excellence in Leadership
  • Rising Star
  • Sustainable Initiative of the Year
  • Woman of the Year
  • Residential Project of the Year
  • Commercial Project of the Year
  • Retrofit Project of the Year

The awards ceremony will be held on 4 June.  Last year’s winner of the Excellence in Leadership Award, Sandile Mbatha, who was the Senior Manager: Data, Research and Policy Advocacy, Ethekwini Municipality said: “The award means a lot. It means the work I’ve put in is vindicated and I’m excited to have been recognized in this manner. It gives hope in terms of the work that people are doing for this country.”

“Big 5 Construct South Africa brings together the industry to do business and network providing ample opportunities to share ideas and ultimately realize the full potential of South Africa’s thriving construction sector,” Greenish concludes.

Big 5 Construct South Africa is supported by a host of sponsors including Rubber Roofs as the Registration Sponsor, Talk Sponsors include Zutari, Modena, Building Point, CIDB, Cad4All, Mapei and other participating sponsors. African Smart Cities Summit is sponsored by Kwikot Water Care, Uxene Smart City and Kapsch TrafficCom and supported by Knowledge Partner, Frost & Sullivan.

Confirmed associations and organizations endorsing the event include BimCommunityAfrica, the Concrete Manufacturers Association (CMA), the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), the Corrosion Institute of Southern Africa (CorriSA), the Lifting Equipment Engineering Association of South Africa (LEEASA), the South African Institute of Building Design (SAIBD), the South African Capital Equipment Export Council and the South African Institute of Civil Engineering (SAICE). The event is co-located with Totally Concrete, Woodex and Deck & Flooring Africa.

Visit www.big5constructsouthafrica.com for more information. Registration is now open, and entry is complimentary for professionals in the trade and industry sectors. Individuals under the age of 18 will not be granted admission.

Anti-Money Laundering & Financial Crime Southern Africa Conference 2024

The 9th installment of the Anti-Money Laundering & Financial Crime Southern Africa Conference is taking place this year on 4 & 5 September. This is the biggest event of its kind in Africa.

Over the last 3 years the audience has grown each year. Last year we set yet another record of 260 people attending.

This year’s two day conference will look at the effects and implications of still being grey listed, and will also focus on some of the major challenges existing in combating money laundering and other financial crimes.

According to LexisNexis Risk Solutions’ latest True Cost of Financial Crime Compliance Study, financial institutions (FIs) are seeking ways to reduce costs while complying with regulations, with 35% identifying the escalation of financial crime regulations and regulatory expectations as the primary factor driving increases in compliance costs.

The programme will dissect important issues such as latest regulatory developments, high cost of implementing and maintaining AML solutions, enforcement actions and priorities, digital assets, beneficial ownership and CDD, transaction monitoring and technology developments.

Highlighted features will be panel discussions on regulation, corruption and bribery, effects of AML on non-designated financial institutions, payments and AML, AML developments in the SADC region, payments and technology.

There is no doubt that financial organisations must navigate multiple challenges in financial crime prevention whilst ensuring that ongoing training is provided to employees in order for them to face up to the many challenges.

AML teams must be proactive, adaptive, and innovative and, in doing so, contribute to a more resilient and secure financial system in the years ahead. This annual gathering is TCI’s flagship conference, and has received rave reviews from delegates, speakers and sponsors over the past few years.

We invite all potential delegates to this important industry event.

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