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The London (mining) Indaba returns for 2024

The London Indaba returns for its second year on June 25th & 26th at The InterContinental Park Lane London, following the resounding success of its debut last year.

Focused on “Investing in Resources and Mining in Africa”, this event promises – and delivers – insightful discussions on the vital role African countries play in supplying essential minerals and metals to the global market.

Borne of the renowned Joburg Indaba, which is now in its 12th year in South Africa, the London Indaba has attracted a host of industry experts who will be speaking over the course of the two days and will be chaired by Joburg Indaba chair Bernard Swanepoel. Well known for his trademark bold, blunt and constructive approach to tackling important issues, Swanepoel will lead critical conversations reaching to the heart of relevant matters.

Mining’s multi-stakeholder partnership nature takes centre stage this year, tackling pressing questions such as the evolving stakeholder landscape for African miners, the sources of future investments and the expectations of international stakeholders and investors in African mining ventures.

Swanepoel says: “Exploring such diverse and critical topics at the London Indaba showcases the depth of understanding and commitment required to navigate the complexities of the mining industry. From reshaping perceptions towards mining to delving into the strategic roles of companies in Africa, and from discussing the sustainable future of PGMs to examining the potential of copper and gold, these discussions underscore the nuanced approach needed for responsible and impactful mining practices in Africa and globally. The London Indaba is not just a forum for dialogue, it’s a platform for actionable insights that drive positive change in the industry.”

Highlights include:
  • Rohitesh Dhawan, ICMM President and CEO on what it will take to change hearts and minds towards mining
  • A keynote address by Neal Froneman, CEO, Sibanye-Stillwater
  • Shaoyang Shen, Deputy President Zijin Mining, on their strategic role in Africa
  • A keynote address by Craig Miller, CEO, Anglo American Platinum, on the relevance of PGMs in a sustainable future
  • Ludivine Wouters, Managing Partner, Latitude Five, will chair a panel discussion of investors including the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, European Development Finance Institutions (EDFI), Credit Strategy, Resource Capital Funds and  EMEA Mining, Metals and Industries Finance, Société Générale
  • Martin Horgan, CEO, Centamin, John Reade, Market Strategist, Europe & Asia, World Gold Council, Terry Holohan, CEO & MD, Resolute Mining, and Peter Steenkamp, CEO, Harmony, will take part in a panel discussion on the continuing relevance of gold
  • Anton Mifsud-Bonnici, Advisor, Marlow Global, will chair a conversation on what African mining jurisdictions are doing and still need to do to make mining more attractive
  • A keynote address by Mark Cutifani, Chairman, Vale Base Metals, on Africa and its minerals endowment – turning a curse into a blessing
  • Peter Leon, Partner & Africa Chair, Herbert Smith Freehills, will chair a conversation on how international governments are partnering with African governments and the mining industry in pursuit of critical minerals and metals
  • Fiona Perrott-Humphrey, Senior Adviser, Mining Team, Global Advisory, Rothschild & Co. London, will lead a panel of investors on the conundrums of mining equity investing today
  • Brian Menell, Chairman and CEO, TechMet Ltd, will take part in a panel addressing the question, is value addition/beneficiation the silver bullet for African economies
  • Wilma Swarts, Director of PGM Research, Metals Focus; Chairperson, Women in PGMs, will discuss whether mining can play a role in making Africa an exporter of surplus skills rather than a loser of scarce/critical skills.

Swanepoel says participation in discussions like those at the London Indaba is crucial for mining companies, investors and stakeholders alike: “These conversations not only offer a deep understanding of the industry’s current challenges and opportunities but also provide a unique platform to shape its future direction. Being part of the London Indaba isn’t just about staying informed, it’s about actively shaping the narrative and contributing to a responsible, resilient, and thriving mining sector in Africa and beyond.”

The full programme and speakers can be found at www.londonindaba.com 

SAPICS 2024 Conference – Supply Chain Metamorphosis

In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, supply chains are going through a remarkable transformation. No longer linear processes, they have become dynamic and interconnected ecosystems adapting to emerging technologies, market trends and global challenges.

SAPICS has been providing an exceptional platform for supply chain professionals to exchange knowledge and practical experiences at its world-class annual conference in South Africa for 46 years. Held for the second year in association with the Southern African Association of Freight Forwarders, SAAFF, the 46th Annual Conference promises to be an event not to be missed!

SAPICS and SAAFF invite you to participate in SAPICS 2024 – the leading event in Africa for supply chain professionals.

SAPICS 2024 embraces the theme of Supply Chain Metamorphosis and will host an event dedicated to exploring and understanding this unprecedented transformation.

Join us as we delve into the profound changes, challenges, best practices and opportunities reshaping the world of supply chain management. Attend the 46th Annual Conference from the 9 – 12 June, at Century City Conference Centre, Cape Town.

For more information and to register for SAPICS 2024, visit https://conference.sapics.org/

Audit Tech Conference 2024

Audit Technology in the spotlight

The Audit Tech Conference to be hosted on 22 & 23 May at the Indaba Hotel Fourways will seek to address the new dynamic agile technology auditing landscape within financial services.

Integration of latest technologies into audit processes has led to high quality audits, providing unrivaled insights and enhancing the way we look at risk, whilst reducing the margins of error in the current intense climate of regulatory and public intolerance towards audit failures.

As much as this technological revolution comes with opportunity it also brings with it more complex risks, competition from divergent angles and stakeholder scrutiny that is forensic in focus.

The conference programme will focus on the transformation and integration of latest developments within the auditing and accounting landscape in South Africa – adapting to the new auditing landscape, enhancing audit quality – a risk based approach, disruption of blockchain, embracing technology leveraging automation & analytics, cyber risks assessments, regulatory changes and cyber threats, data governance security and auditing in the cloud, complexities of corporate ESG, and much more…

Over 20 industry-leading speakers will be sharing their knowledge and insights with delegates giving them an in-depth understanding on how to best equip themselves for the future when it comes to audit execution and the adoption of an innovative mindset.

The target audience is aimed toward professionals from banks, financial institutions, service providers and consultancies dealing with accounting and audit.

We invite potential speakers to join us at the conference, so as to once again create the ideal platform for information and knowledge sharing. Involvement will create excellent networking opportunities for sponsors, exhibitors, delegates and fellow speakers.

Looking forward seeing you there!

Find out more here

Regulatory Risk & Compliance for Non-Bank Financial Institutions Conference 2024

Non-bank financial sector vulnerabilities surface as financial conditions tighten

As trends and shifts in the financial sector increases, NBFIs have emerged as key players in the financial sector.

It is vitally important to understand and screen this expanding financial sector that comprises a line-up of institutions beyond banks.

Non-bank financial intermediaries including investment funds, pension funds, insurers, money market funds and credit providers, also play a key role in the global financial system by providing financial services and credit and thus supporting economic growth.

The growth of the NBFI sector accelerated after the global financial crisis, accounting now for nearly 50 percent of global financial assets. As such, the smooth functioning of the non-bank sector is vital for financial stability.

The resilience of the non-bank financial sector and the supporting market infrastructure is crucial for the financial system to support the real economy and to absorb rather than amplify shocks.

Henceforth robust surveillance, regulation, and supervision are essential due to the tightening in policies, digital challenges and several other factors.

To assess the financial stability implications pension funds, insurance developments, academics and policy makers should improve their understanding of risks arising from the behaviour of non-bank financial institutions and the evolution of the supporting market infrastructure, and how to deal with those risks.

This conference will focus on bringing the key role players from NBFI’s – insurance companies, pension funds, investment intermediaries, microloan organisations together at one forum to discuss and learn how they can tackle the challenges and opportunities they face on meeting regulatory and reporting requirements.

Topics will be discussed under the following sections: regulatory risk and compliance challenges, financial inclusion, market conduct and consumer education, alternative finance market, ecosystem banking and innovation & technology.

As organisers of the annual AML & Financial Crime Southern Africa Conference and the Regulatory Risk & Compliance Conference, Trade Conferences International (TCI) is once again looking forward to welcoming delegates, speakers & sponsors to this industry event!

Find out more here

Consumers are confused about the impact of paper on forests

Sappi’s Clairmont Mountain Nature Reserve is home to 10 red-data species
Sappi’s Clairmont Mountain Nature Reserve is home to 10 red-data species. Credit: Sappi

South African consumers’ views on environmental perceptions, preferences and attitudes towards print, paper and paper-based packaging have been included for the first time in an international survey, which showed that many are still confused about the relationship between farmed wood for papermaking and deforestation.

The responses of 10 000 people in 16 countries were documented by Two Sides in the biennial Trend Tracker Survey. While 71% of South African consumers agree that it is important to use paper products from sustainably managed forests, and 36% pay attention to forestry certification labels when purchasing paper-based products, the perceptions that a paperless environment is ecologically friendly and that forestry as an industry contributes to deforestation, persists.

The survey showed that 35% of consumers believed that electronic devices were the most environmentally friendly, yet wood ranked second and paper ranked fourth. On the one hand, 77% of people feel that electronic communication is better than paper-based media. Then again, 76% acknowledge that planted forests are not bad for the environment, a clear contradiction.

According to the World Wildlife Fund, agriculture is the leading cause of deforestation, which occurs primarily in tropical and subtropical regions of the world and is linked to meat, soya beans and palm oil. Jane Molony, executive director of the Paper Manufacturers Association of South Africa (PAMSA), says the forest and paper sector is misunderstood and thus beleaguered by myths that are rooted in ignorance and assumption.

“Timber plantations or planted forests make up 7% of the global forest area, yet provide about 50% of the wood for industrial use such as pulp, paper and timber for construction,” she says. For this reason, balancing sustainability with productive and economic imperatives is high on the forestry sector’s agenda. “Through biodiversity enrichment, water stewardship and community support programmes, the forestry sector invests significantly in reducing its impact on the land it uses,” says Molony.

In May 2023, PAMSA member Mondi South Africa and Endangered Wildlife Trust announced a three-year partnership to map Mondi South Africa’s species and ecosystem biodiversity footprint and identify best practices for biodiversity management in its local forestry operations.

Mondi South Africa and Endangered Wildlife Trust - biodiversity action area
Mondi South Africa and Endangered Wildlife Trust are working together to map the company’s species and ecosystem biodiversity footprint.

Sustainable forestry misunderstood

Paper’s core component, cellulose, is a renewable resource. In South Africa, where almost all indigenous forests and woodlands are protected, wood for pulp and paper product comes from sustainably managed forests where the cycle of planting, growing and regenerating is carefully controlled. The needs of the timber, pulp and paper sectors are served by 1.4-billion trees planted on 1.2-million hectares, which is 1% of South Africa’s total land cover.

“Forestry companies have nurseries tending to millions of seedlings every year which go on to replace mature trees once they have been harvested,” explains Molony. Less than 10% of the total plantation area is harvested annually and this is replanted within the same year, which means that more than 111-million trees are planted every year. “That is, on average, 306 000 trees a day.”

The needs of the timber, pulp and paper sectors are served by 1.4-billion trees planted on 1.2-million hectares, which is 1% of South Africa’s total land cover.

South Africa is naturally a very tree-poor country, with only 0.4% of the country being covered with indigenous trees. This is one of the key reasons why only commercially planted trees are used for wood products, to prevent encroaching on our indigenous forests.

In addition, at least one quarter of forestry-owned land is left unplanted, allowing biodiversity-rich corridors to flourish with indigenous fauna and flora in grasslands, wetlands and wooded areas. Sappi, also a PAMSA member, has seven declared nature reserves on its landholdings in Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal provinces with a combined 6 320 hectares including Clairmont Mountain Nature Reserve which is home to 10 red-data species. These reserves are part of South Africa’s Biodiversity Stewardship Programme managed by the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI).

Nursing seedlings until they are ready for the field. CREDIT: Mondi
Nursing seedlings until they are ready for the field. CREDIT: Mondi

What about water?

Water use was another area where misconceptions seem to have taken hold. Just more than half of consumers surveyed (51%) believe that paper production uses an excessive amount of water, but the forestry sector uses only 3% of South Africa’s available water, with agriculture and domestic water consumption accounting for 60% and 29% respectively.

“Plantations are not irrigated. Some companies plant seedlings with hydrogel, but the rest is up to nature,” says Molony. “Yet our sector is the only sector to pay a ‘rain tax’, as forestry is considered a stream-flow-reduction activity.” Trees, like any living organism, take in, use and transpire water as part of their growth needs. “This is why the forestry industry is adopting a more stringent approach to planting, ensuring buffer zones exist between compartments and riverine areas,” notes Molony.

The WWF-Mondi Water Stewardship has been in place for more than three decades, initially centred on wetland management but later expanded to focus on catchment-based water stewardship which prioritises catchments with possible water-related risks. Mondi has made investments in rehabilitating wetlands on plantation landholdings in Mpumalanga, the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal. Currently Mondi manages about 15 000 hectares of wetlands within its own and leased land properties.

WWF-Mondi Water Stewardship has been in place for more than three decades.
WWF-Mondi Water Stewardship has been in place for more than three decades.

Sappi is also working closely with WWF to improve the catchment and the ecological integrity of the uMkomaas River which is strategic for Sappi in terms of water supply to operations. Work includes clearing of invasive alien plants in the catchment area by using members of the local community who are employed in the project, which contributes to employment in the rural areas of Impendle.

“We have to continue to challenge the misconceptions and contradictory opinions surrounding wood and paper-based products and their impact on the environment,” concludes Molony. “When people grasp that trees are farmed, just like we farm mealies and wheat, their perception shifts. I’ve witnessed this personally time and time again.”

Larger-than-life mural pays tribute to South Africa’s Bokke

#SpringbokMuralBellville #betterbellvilletogether

Last week, a colossal mural of the Springboks was unveiled on the Park Central Lifestyle building along Blanckenberg Street, Bellville, as part of the City of Cape Town’s better. bellville. together. initiative. This larger-than-life artwork of our rugby heroes marks a significant moment not only for the local community but for the entire nation – a symbol of unity and pride that highlights the profound importance of the Springboks in South Africa, particularly following their recent triumph at the World Cup.

The better. bellville. together. initiative is a city-funded placemaking initiative, which launched in February 2023, and is proving to be a successful catalyst for economic growth in the Bellville CBD. Rooted in the belief that public art is a dynamic force for cultural expression, community engagement, and economic development, the initiative aims to revitalise the region, making it cleaner, and safer for those who live, work, learn and visit Bellville.

Left to Right: Alderman James Vos, George Comitis – Building Owner, Warren Hewitt – GTP CEO, INFRONT: Left Alex Jongens – Project Manager and Right Diana Tinkerbell, mural artist #SpringbokMuralBellville #betterbellvilletogethe

The initiative has made remarkable strides over the past year, but none as breathtaking as the Springbok mural. “The Bokke holds a special place in the hearts of our community,” says Alex Jongens, the project lead for better. bellville. together. “This mural serves as a vibrant symbol of our collective pride and unity, honouring the legacy of the Springboks and we invite everyone to join us in celebrating this milestone. Let’s come together to witness the power of art to unite and inspire.”

Bokke on Blanckenberg

The Springbok mural, the largest yet in Bellville, is a testament to the power of public art to inspire and uplift. The local community are greeted by an awe-inspiring display that encapsulates the pride, resilience, and unity of South Africans, and the mural not only celebrates the sporting prowess of the Springbok legends but also pays homage to Bellville’s identity, intertwining with the fabric of the local community.

For Diana Tinkerbell, the visionary artist behind the mural, this project represents a profound connection to the community. “Creating this mural has been an incredible journey,” she says. “It’s more than just paint on a wall; it’s a dialogue with the people, a reflection of our shared values and aspirations.”

The grand unveiling marks a historic moment for Bellville, celebrating its rich spirit and boundless creativity. George Comitis from Park Central Lifestyle, the building owner, emphasises the importance of conveying meaningful messages through art. “Each mural tells a story, capturing the essence of South Africa’s diverse culture and heritage,” he explains. “We are proud to be part of the vibrant tapestry of Bellville’s landscape.”

Snap a pic with the Bokke

Residents, business owners, and visitors to Bellville are encouraged to be a part of the excitement by posting their photos of the mural on social media using #springbokmuralbellville and #betterbellvilletogether.

Together, we can transform our city into a canvas of dreams!

For more information about better. bellville. together. visit www.bettertogether.africa and follow us @betterbellvilletogether.

Limpopo Tourism Agency: A leader in tourism

Photo: Shaun Roy/Sunshine Tour

Limpopo Province continues to be one of the major recipients of tourism arrivals from South Africa’s core international markets given its broad tourism product offerings and appeal. Before the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, Limpopo Province was the leading destination in terms of arrivals and spend in the domestic tourism space.

The most recent statistical release by Statistics South Africa shows that in 2020 the Eastern Cape received 18.2% and became the most-visited destination for overnight trips followed by Limpopo with 18.0%.

In 2021, the most-visited province was Limpopo with 20.3% followed by Gauteng at 15.1%. The report also states that Limpopo continued to be the leading province in the first 10 months of the year in which the report was compiled, 2022.

This speedy recovery can be attributed to the partnership efforts that the Limpopo Tourism Agency (LTA) embarked on with the private sector. This initiative continues to provide visitors to destination Limpopo with the memorable experiences that they will treasure for a long time.

This was perfectly in line with the Agency’s vision of becoming a leading tourism destination in Southern Africa.

Tourism mandate

The LTA’s mandate is to carry out destination marketing with an emphasis on domestic tourism and inbound tourism marketing until things have completely returned to normality.

The LTA falls under the Limpopo Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism (LEDET) and aims to position Limpopo as a leading tourism destination in Southern Africa. The Agency’s strategic outcomes are:

  • effective and efficient administrative support in the organisation
  • to provide efficient and effective human resources support services
  • to provide efficient and effective finance and support services
  • to initiate product development, tourism investment, strategic partnerships and provide quality hospitality services
  • to position Limpopo as a leading tourism destination in Southern Africa

The Limpopo Marula Festival has proved a great success over the years, not only drawing international audiences but promoting local culture and small businesses.

Photo: Fyre Mael on Flickr

Clusters

Planning that has been done within the LTA is aligned to the National Tourism Sector Strategy (NTSS), the Limpopo Tourism Growth Strategy (LTGS) and the Limpopo Development Plan.

For the purposes of achieving its vision of making Limpopo a leading tourism destination in Southern Africa, LTA reviewed its clusters, bearing in mind the unique wildlife offerings in the mega-conservation areas of the province. The tourism clusters are as follows:

  • Culture and Heritage Cluster
  • Family and Recreation Cluster
  • Sport and Wildlife Cluster
  • Safari and Hunting Cluster
  • Business and Events Cluster
  • Special Interest Cluster
  • Events key to tourism

LTA has identified events in the province as key to driving people from one place to another.

Key flagship events in the province include the following:
  • Limpopo Golf Championship in April 2023. Linked to this was the Youth Golf Championship that took place on 29 June 2023 at Koro Creek, Modimolle.
  • Partnerships with all existing events in the province such as Limpopo Marula Festival that took place in April 2023 in Phalaborwa.
  • The Agency participated in trade shows such as World Travel Market (WTM) Africa in April 2023, Cape Town, followed by Africa’s Travel Indaba in May 2023 in Durban.
  • LTA hosted Limpopo Tourism Youth Summit in Burgersfort on 22-23 June 2023.
  • LTA participated in the national launch of Tourism Month on 1 August 2023 in North West Province. The provincial launch of World Tourism Day took place on 16 August 2023 in the Waterberg District.
  • Phalaphala FM Royal Heritage Festival in Vhembe District.
  • Mapungubwe Cultural Festival in to be held in Polokwane in December 2023.
  • Summer Campaign launch and concomitant activations.
  • Holiday Fair on 24-26 August 2023.
  • Other events in various districts of the province.

Limpopo awaits with more to enjoy

Limpopo Tourism Agency Chief Executive Officer, Moses Ngobeni, is confident that investors will find much to inspire them in Limpopo.

Our province is the northmost in the country with several competitive advantages including sharing borders with three countries in the SADC region, that is, Botswana in the west, Zimbabwe in the north and Mozambique in the east. To optimise this opportunity, the province became innovative by introducing two transfrontier parks, namely, Greater Mapungubwe Transfrontier Park involving Limpopo, Botswana and Zimbabwe and Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park involving Limpopo, Zimbabwe and Mozambique.

Moses Ngobeni, LTA CEO

Tourism in Limpopo is progressing well despite having been under stress over the past three years due to Covid-19. It is heartwarming to see the tremendous progress that the sector displayed shortly after the difficult times of the pandemic. We are grateful for the resilience shown by the tourism industry and we wish to thank government for the Tourism Sector Recovery Plan that was developed for the tourism sector.

The province is currently ranked within the top three in the country on a domestic tourism front. We are looking forward to the new statistics by Stats SA come the end of the festive season.

The Limpopo Tourism Agency (LTA) has since taken a strong stance in collaborating with key stakeholders as that is central to tourism development and growth. It is against this background that we partner with major events as these not only drive people to our province but also because these events help to address the triple challenges of poverty, unemployment and inequality which are the ills continuing to torment the people of our province. Some of the mega events in the province come with tangible deliverables to rid the people of the burden of poverty.

With the Limpopo Provincial Investment Conference coming our way in October 2023, we are confident that most investors will choose Limpopo for tourism investment as there are many opportunities. We say this because tourism has multiplier effects with a myriad of opportunities and trade beneficiation.

Limpopo is ready for the increase in visitors through air access, given the good relations with Eastgate Airport in Hoedspruit that can get four airlines per day and Polokwane International Airport which is also on a growth trajectory with three airlines per day. We can’t wait to see the speed train between Gauteng and Limpopo, which is the brainchild of our Premier, Mr Chupu Stanley Mathabatha, and the Premier of Gauteng, Mr Panyaza Lesufi. This will bring some relief to our roads which are congested during long weekends and holidays.

Upcoming events include the Summer Campaign that will be launched in and around this October. This will come with packages for the citizens in the province and beyond to enjoy. Some of the activities include but are not limited to the annual Sapa Yopa Rally, Women in Sports Awards, National Celebration of Reconciliation Day and Mapungubwe Arts Festival.

African Energy Week 2024

African Energy Week (AEW) is the African Energy Chamber’s annual event, uniting African energy leaders, global investors and executives from across the public and private sector for four days of intense dialogue on the future of the African energy industry.

An interactive conference, exhibition and networking event, AEW was established in 2021 under the premise to make energy poverty history by 2030, hosting panel discussions, investor forums, industry summits and one-on-one meeting opportunities, and driving the discussions that will reshape the trajectory of the continent’s energy development.

In 2024, the event returns bigger and better than ever before, serving as the official meeting place for Africa’s energy elite. At the forefront of the African energy industry, AEW promotes the role Africa plays in global energy matters, centred around African-led dialogue and decision making. Covering the entire energy sector and value chain, AEW represents the only conference on the continent representative of the entire sector.

Instead of dwelling on the challenges hindering development, AEW focuses on integration and collaboration to reverse Africa’s resource curse and support energy explorers and producers across the continent. When we support upstream, midstream and downstream projects, we support jobs, we create growth, we promote gender equality, and we drive innovation that brings solutions for our future.

Recognizing that the energy transition is shaping the global dialogue, AEW promotes the African position on the future of Africa’s energy sector.

By advocating personal responsibility, free markets, individual liberty and an enabling environment for investors, AEW ensures that Africa’s oil and natural gas industry and Africans stand to benefit, rather than continuing a reliance on foreign aid and assistance.

Go to AEW website: https://aecweek.com/

An Energy One Stop Shop has been launched

The aim is to fast-track all applications for energy projects in South Africa. Previously, independent power producers trying to lodge an application to create a power plant were subjected to 12 separate authorisation processes and long delays. The focus will be on renewable energy projects and the programme will be rolled out in four phases by InvestSA.

The first phase, launched in 2023, allows for online registration of energy projects and a tracking device to show how that project is advancing along the line towards approval. The programme managers are mandated to work with all the relevant government departments and agencies to streamline the process.

The initiative simplifies the administrative procedures for issuing business approvals, permits and licences and thereby removes bottlenecks that delay the addition of megawatts to the grid, a national priority. This shows that the state is taking steps to support small-scale embedded generation (SSEG) power projects (under schedule 2 of the Electricity Regulation Act) to realise energy security and to support efforts to decarbonise South Africa’s economy.

Business support

Business Unity South Africa (BUSA) and several other organizations collaborating with the government to address the country’s energy crisis welcome the Energy One Stop Shop (EOSS) initiative. The EOSS is a response to President Cyril Ramaphosa’s 2022 announcement of an Energy Action Plan, which led to the establishment of the National Energy Crisis Committee (NECOM). NECOM, a high-level group comprising ministers and state officials interfacing with business CEO champions and organized business executives, prioritising among other interventions the initiation of the EOSS.

The EOSS platform is designed to expedite the deployment of energy projects, aligning with the recently amended Schedule 2 of the Electricity Regulation Act. The EOSS as a collaborative effort aims to provide business support and contribute to resolving the energy challenges in South Africa.

Key functions of the EOSS

First and foremost, the EOSS exists to provide a single-window-facilitation process for energy projects and to shorten timeframes for project approvals by expediting, fast-tracking and removing blockages. Other functions include: be a conduit between developers and departments; provide technical support and advisory services; provide a link with private sector and industry associations; act as an escalation mechanism; and engage in advocacy.

Facts and figures

  • 24 priority projects, 2 121 MW
  • 114 projects in total, 16 859 MW

These projects include 83 solar PV projects and 14 wind farms but also include newer technologies and hybrids such as solar PV with battery storage, vanadium battery projects and BESS (Battery Energy Storage Systems). Eskom’s Hex BESS was launched near Worcester in November 2023.

Contact details

Reception: 012 394 5555
info@energyoss.gov.za | www.energyoss.gov.za
Lester Bouah, Chief Director: Investment Mobilisation
Head: Energy One Stop Shop (EOSS)

Invest South Africa: Department of Trade, Industry and Competition
Mobile: +27 66 302 0715 | Office: +27 12 394 3773
Email: lbouah@thedtic.gov.za

www.investsa.gov.za | www.doingbusiness.org.za | www.thedtic.gov.za

The better future we want to build

Mireille Wenger, Minister for Finance and Economic Opportunities
Mireille Wenger, Minister for Finance and Economic Opportunities

If you are reading this now, I would like you to close your eyes and picture where you will be in 2035.

What state will our country and province be in? What will be happening in our economy? Will we have enough jobs for future generations? Will there be hope? I am sure this exercise will cause you some anxiety, given the challenging times we face today…

Now imagine a 2035 where our economy is growing at between 4% and 6%. Where we are creating hundreds of thousands of new jobs, lifting people out of poverty. Where businesses, big, small and informal have the energy, water, infrastructure, skills and technology to grow and succeed. Where a child, no matter where they are born, has the pathway to a better life.

I am sure what you are now feeling is hope. The sort of contagious hope that cannot be contained.

This is the future we want for the Western Cape and for South Africa. This is the better future we want to build.

During this time of difficulty for our country, with stagnant growth, devastating loadshedding, the real prospect of recession and high levels of unemployment and despair, the question can be fairly asked: is it realistic for the Western Cape to be setting out so audaciously to achieve 4% to 6% of break-out economic growth?

The real question, I believe, is rather why South Africa is not already achieving this growth? We have everything we need to succeed as a country if we just get the fundamentals of growth right. What is clear to me is that we will never achieve it if we are limited in our ambition, constrained by the wrong policies and lack the courage to adapt, reform and make the right choices.

We have everything we need to succeed as a country if we just get the fundamentals of growth right.

Vision and action

Change requires a vision and action towards it – so, yes, we can realise a better future for our country, and we must work toward it with determination.

The Growth for Jobs Strategy is the Western Cape’s bold step towards realising this better future. We know what the Western Cape and South Africa are capable of if we enable the private sector’s success.

And so, this Strategy provides a courageous vision for our province, with clear targets for each key focus area that our economy needs to succeed. To be clear, this is not just a vision for our government. The targets are not ours alone. They are yours too: business, big and small, civil society, entrepreneurs and every citizen in our province. This is what we can achieve if we work together and make the right choices, now, today.

I am reminded of President Nelson Mandela’s wise words, which continue to hold so much truth today: “It seems impossible until it is done.”

Let’s get it done, so that a prosperous Western Cape is not something in our imagination, but a new, real era of hope, opportunity and freedom.

The Western Cape Growth for Jobs Strategy

Like the rest of South Africa, the Western Cape faces a range of deep, interconnected, socio-economic challenges that include unemployment, poverty and crime. While there is no panacea for these challenges, which have deep roots in the country’s history and social structure, there is also no prospect of addressing any of them without faster economic growth.

Arnold Shoes, Cape Town. Photo: Made in Cape Town, CDI

Economic growth is essential to generating rapid and sustained job creation, faster growth in living standards and increased resources available to society. The Western Cape Government identified the need for a strategy to lift dramatically the provincial growth rate and, to the extent that growth continues to falter in South Africa, to decouple the province’s growth trajectory from that of the rest of the country.

Therefore, this Growth for Jobs Strategy sets out a comprehensive, challenging and ambitious goal for the Western Cape to grow its economy by between 4% and 6% by 2035.

It is also a strategy that clarifies that how we grow our economy is as important as the growth itself. In this way, the Growth for Jobs Strategy distinguishes itself from previous strategies, by providing a long-term perspective with clear targets, framed within defined principles. It is centred on systemic solutions that address key binding constraints and an enabling environment for the private sector that accelerates our economic growth.

The formulation of the Growth for Jobs Strategy has been data-driven, evidence-led and has involved extensive consultation across government, with stakeholders from the private and public sectors, and representatives from across civil society and academia.

At its heart, the Growth for Jobs Strategy is premised on a recognition that the private sector creates jobs, while the State needs to create an environment in which people and businesses are enabled to create and exploit opportunities as they arise. This kind of horizontal enablement empowers citizens and fosters independence, freedom and self-reliance.

To give effect to this approach, the Growth for Jobs Strategy has several important anchors:
  • Clear principles set out in a strategic framework that have guided thinking and decisions.
  • Crucial priority focus areas (PFAs), namely driving growth through investment, stimulating market growth through exports and growing domestic markets, enhancing energy resilience and driving the transition to net zero carbon, driving water security and resilience, technology and innovation, infrastructure and the connected economy, improving access to economic opportunities and employability. These PFAs shape decisions around the nature of the interventions needed to maximise impact.

Finally, the Growth for Jobs Strategy is a whole-of-government, all-of-society strategy whose success requires the energy, commitment and allocation of resources from across government, the private sector and civil society.

The Growth for Jobs Strategy is the Western Cape’s bold step towards realising this better future. Be a part of our journey!

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