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Rural youth need access to digital technologies

Now, more than ever, the ability of countries, organisations and individuals to participate in the growing digital revolution relies on the acquisition and deployment of digital skills.

South Africa’s National Digital and Future Skills Strategy is clear in its assertion that ongoing technical developments require that South Africa adopts a clear and comprehensive digital and future skills strategy to foster the country’s ability to engage with, compete within and benefit from the emergent digital revolution, also referred to as the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR). Government entities, private sector firms and development institutions increasingly rely on digital technologies to drive economic growth, promote social development and provide cultural enrichment.

Legacy skills, and even existing ICT skills, are becoming obsolete, while new digital skills are in short supply. This means that countries seeking to advance the competitiveness of their key economic sectors and public services need to adopt a continual skills upgrade approach, where both ordinary citizens and research specialists acquire and advance their digital skills as part of a broad spectrum of 21st-century skills. The whole of society must become digitally adaptive to ensure digital inclusivity for future generations.

The problem that South Africa faces is that young people living in rural areas face the real risk of being left behind due to the lack of access to 4IR technologies. Research has revealed that access to the Internet, and hence digital learning and 4IR technologies, is less than 1% in rural communities. It is important to break down the social divide between urban and rural communities by ensuring equitable access to education and its outcomes regardless of race, gender or class.

The Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation has urged the various stakeholders in the higher education landscape to collaborate and find ways to ensure that young people in South Africa are capacitated with digital skills to future-proof their career aspirations. CHIETA has paid heed to this call and is working to establish nine SMART skills centres in rural communities across the country.

To date, two SMART skills centres have been opened in the Western and Eastern Cape, the launch of a third is imminent in KwaZulu-Natal and the CHIETA team is working hard to finalise and open six more. By establishing the CHIETA SMART skills centres in rural communities the cost burden associated with transport and data that will ordinarily be placed on poor communities is significantly reduced.

These centres, among other objectives, serve to remind young people living in rural communities that they have an important contribution to make to the future of this country.

At the opening of the first SMART skills centre in Saldanha Bay in October 2022, Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Dr Blade Nzimande, said: “This SMART skills centre is a monumental step towards South Africa’s digital skills development not only to meet the demands of the 4IR, but also to accelerate local innovation and enterprise capabilities, which will drive job creation and economic growth.”

CHIETA’s SMART skills centres are designed to be a game-changer in terms of skills development and training. The centres will give rural communities access to free data and Wi-Fi services, basic digital skills, and 4IR-related training. In addition, various technology-based programmes will be linked to the centre, as well as a multitude of skills programmes and e-learning initiatives.

The Chemical Industries Education and Training Authority, CHIETA, is establishing SMART Skills Centres around the country to boost training in digital skills. Credit: CHIETA

Budding entrepreneurs and SMMEs specifically will benefit from the skills development opportunities and communication technology available at the centres. The goal is to provide a minimum of 2 000 SMMEs by 2025 with some kind of service or support to build job-creating, sustainable enterprises in the long run.

The SMART skills centre concept dovetails with the skills development efforts of the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), that is mandated to promote and monitor the national skills development strategy. The Department is also responsible for developing and implementing appropriate legislation and policies for a sustained quality and accessible post-school education and training system.

In 2020, Dr Blade Nzimande, articulated a vision for SMART skills centres to be established in all parts of the country to usher in a new era of skills development and training that would be located within rural communities and able to offer digitised training programmes for rural masses. CHIETA remains committed to being a part of this digital skills revolution.

Yershen Pillay, CEO of the Chemical Industries Education & Training Authority (CHIETA).

Debt Collection in the Digital Age Conference attracts leading industry players

The upcoming Debt Collection in the Digital Age Conference 2024, scheduled to take place on 12 & 13 March 2024 at the Indaba Hotel in Fourways, Johannesburg, is gearing up to be the industry’s highlight event.

TCI is proud to announce that Euphoria Telecom has joined the Debt Collection in the Digital Conference as gold sponsor. Euphoria is joining other sponsors such as bronze sponsor SearchWorks, exhibitors Datanamix, pay@ & Hyhpen Technologies, and associate Genii Analytics.

The organisers are delighted to announce that an impressive line-up of key players in the field has already secured their spots for this exclusive event. Among the notable companies already registered are:

The conference is witnessing an increasing number of registrations and a surge of interest from industry leaders and professionals.

Key innovations to be addressed at the conference

20+ speakers will tackle the following crucial topics pertaining to debt collection:

digital transformation | data analytics | speech analytics | machine learning | robotic process automation | chat-bots | artificial intelligence | interaction intelligence | social media integration

The Debt Collection in the Digital Age Conference promises a rich and immersive experience, featuring thought-provoking sessions, interactive discussions, and unparalleled networking opportunities. Attendees can expect to gain valuable insights into navigating the digital landscape, leveraging AI, and adopting cutting-edge technologies to enhance debt collection practices.

Join Trade Conferences International at this pivotal event, where industry experts and thought leaders converge to shape the future of debt collection.

For registration and more information, please visit www.tci-sa.co.za

Glencore Coal’s ongoing support empowers matriculants

The investment in education, especially in programmes that focus on developing and improving on important subjects such as mathematics and science are crucial for empowering the youth and enriching communities to inspire progress. In areas where resources may be limited, investing in education becomes even more essential as it can break the cycle of poverty and open doors to a brighter future for learners.

Glencore Coal, a key supporter of educational initiatives, has demonstrated its commitment to fostering progress for South Africa’s youth and communities. The company’s generous donations include 20 laptops and 10 smartphones at the Nkangala Mayoral Awards and 25 tablets to top learners at select host schools, amplifying access to digital resources and fostering academic excellence.

The matric class of 2023’s accomplishment is not an isolated incident; rather, it is the result of coordinated efforts, which included the innovative Ligbron eLearning program which has seen remarkable strides in the improvement of Mathematics and Science pass rates respectively, empowering students across 16 schools supported by Glencore Coal.

“We are proud of the Matric class of 2023, they have done exceptionally well. To have such incredible results through the Ligbron programme – it is a simple yet powerful reminder of the positive effects of investing in education can have on the youth from the communities we operate in. This is how we are progressing together with communities and other stakeholders to implement corporate social investment plans that focus on education and, in particular, mathematics and science.” remarked a Khomotjo Mashiane, Community Manager at Glencore Coal.

The Ligbron e-Learning System, is an instrumental programme used to connect schools nationwide by facilitating live-streamed Mathematics and Science lessons. This innovative approach has transcended geographical barriers, providing equal opportunities for students regardless of their location.

In Mathematics, 12 out of 16 schools saw increased pass rates, with seven schools showing improvements exceeding 20% from the previous year. Moreover, six schools achieved pass rates above 80%, indicating notable gains in mathematical proficiency.

In Science, 13 out of 16 schools experienced higher pass rates from 2022 to 2023. Notably, six schools exhibited improvements of over 20% compared to the preceding year, while 13 schools attained pass rates surpassing 80%, illustrating a shared commitment to scientific excellence.

The collective efforts of educators, students, and Glencore Coal reflect a shared commitment to advancing educational excellence and nurturing the leaders of tomorrow.

As we celebrate these monumental achievements, the journey towards a brighter future for all continues.

 

New technologies available to solve Africa’s energy crisis

Rapid advancements related to technology have certainly rendered life easier than ever before. However, such progression is driven by energy and many regions in the world are quickly running low on means to generate it. With over 600 million people devoid of access to electricity, Africa is a region amid an energy crisis.

Despite Sub-Saharan Africa’s booming population, the region has a an extremely low electrification rate. The average electricity consumption in the largest African countries is less than one-tenth of what is consumed in large countries, such as China or Brazil. Meanwhile, most residents of Sub-Saharan Africa are living in the dark without any access to electricity. This burgeoning power gap continues to hamper Africa’s economic growth as the lack of affordable energy staves off new ventures and investments. Those who do opt to conduct business in the region are plagued with the high costs of generating their own electricity or operating in-house generators. These solutions cost them up to 6 times more than what people are paying for electricity around the world.

Such high costs of power generation can be attributed to the means through which power is currently being generated in Africa. As the cost of fuel and diesel rises, traditional methods of power generation no longer represent a viable option. To make electricity more accessible and affordable for the rural part of Africa, entrepreneurs and governments are moving beyond such traditional methods and leveraging renewable energy to bridge the power gap.

Apart from proactive efforts to expand Africa’s power grid to make electricity more accessible, there is a need to embrace the continent’s abundant renewable resources. African entrepreneurs and innovators are now introducing new technologies in solar power to fill the gaps in the African energy landscape. These ventures use mobile money to finance large scale projects that power households in rural Africa.

Most of the African population lives below the poverty line, with 70% of households earning less than $5000 per annum. Companies utilising solar power to meet demands are making electricity more affordable for low-income areas with their sustainable business model.  Increasing the prevalence of solar power is not only more affordable but also less time consuming than conventional alternatives. Furthermore, it reduces Africa’s dependence on imported fossil fuels that trigger soaring electricity prices, and new projects involving solar power are creating job opportunities and improving household incomes to build a brighter future for Africa.

Additionally, the focus on bridging continental energy gaps implies an understanding of the disparities in energy access across different regions of Africa. By addressing these gaps through the deployment of innovative technologies, there is a potential to create more inclusive and equitable energy systems, positively impacting economic development, healthcare, education, and overall quality of life.

As the world undergoes a climate change crisis, turning to renewable energy, such as solar power, is the ideal solution for Africa to reduce emissions and build a more sustainable energy landscape.

In its embryonic stages, solar power is said to meet 15-20% of Africa’s energy consumption requirements. Meanwhile, the advancement in technology has brought forth new innovative techniques such as the Internet of Things (IoT), that is powering smart grids and electricity systems optimised for technology. As solar grid systems become more sophisticated through this new technology and other forms of renewables are integrated, transformation of Africa’s energy generation will bring about new economic growth and prosperity for the region.

Moving forward

As the investment in renewable energy sources increases, it is upon African governments to encourage and accelerate the growth of renewable energy across the region. Governments can start with defining political targets and adapting regulatory practices for renewable energy generation.

Access to energy is a fundamental human right and African nations need to be prepared for the new wave of renewable energy to transform and sustain the continent’s energy landscape.

The upcoming Africa Energy Indaba is Africa’s esteemed energy event and is supported by Strategic Partner, the African Union Development Agency,  and with the full support of the South African Government Host, the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE).

This signature event is set to host riveting, engaging and pertinent discussions as well as feature an exhibition showcasing and covering renewable energy innovations to bridge Africa’s energy gaps with a focused Renewables Indaba conference programme.

Such technologies are not only aligned with global climate change policies but represent the optimal solution to ensure a more accessible and sustainable energy realm across the region that is Africa. The event highlights a recognition of the importance of technological advancements in overcoming energy challenges and improving access to reliable and sustainable energy sources across Africa.

Find Out More

Free State Investment Conference 2024

On behalf of the Free State Provincial Government, it is our honour to invite you to the second Free State Investment Conference, taking place on Tuesday, 27 February 2024 in Bloemfontein, South Africa.

Centrally located and crisscrossed by major transportation routes, the Free State Province is leveraging its strategic location and robust infrastructure to catalyze growth across agriculture, manufacturing, mining, tourism and other pivotal industries.

This one-day event will spotlight the province’s unique investment opportunities across these vital economic sectors.

Highlights include:
  • Showcasing lucrative incentives for industrial parks and SEZ manufacturing.
  • Exploring modernization of our gold and diamond mining operations through new technologies.
  • Building infrastructure to support agricultural exports and food security priorities.
  • Forming public-private partnerships to enrich tourism offerings at our dams, nature reserves and cultural landmarks.
  • The conference will facilitate deals and relationships between policymakers, industry leaders and investors like yourself who recognize the Free State’s immense potential.
Book Your Seat

An esteemed slate of speakers include Minister Ebrahim Patel, Premier Mxolisi Dukwana, industry CEOs, and expert panelists discussing critical growth areas. Formal networking sessions are also designed to spur partnerships.

We aim for tangible investment commitments by the conference’s close. Your participation and leadership at this event will directly advance the sustainable development of priority economic sectors in the Free State.

We look forward to welcoming you on February 27th!

Find out more

Debt Collection in the Digital Age Conference 2024

The Debt Collection in the Digital Age Conference, set to take place on 12 & 13 March 2024 at the Indaba Hotel in Fourways, Johannesburg, is a pivotal gathering that immerses attendees in the ever-evolving landscape of debt collection within the digital era.

This event brings together an influential consortium of industry leaders, technology innovators, thought leaders, and experts to navigate the complex intersection of digital transformation and regulatory compliance in the debt collection domain. Through insightful discussions, collaborative knowledge sharing, and strategic networking, this conference sheds light on critical areas where digital innovation and regulatory considerations intersect. 

In the dynamic realm of debt collection, digital transformation has become a powerful force, opening new avenues for efficient debt recovery, improved customer experiences, and operational excellence. However, these transformative strides are not without their challenges, including data privacy safeguards, consumer protection, risk mitigation, and adherence to regulatory frameworks.

The core objective of the conference is to dissect and address these challenges, fostering dialogue among stakeholders while enhancing understanding of the regulatory landscape that shapes debt collection in the digital age. It serves as a platform for participants to gain insights into cutting-edge regulatory developments, industry best practices, and emerging trends that are shaping the future of debt collection.

Find out more about the event

Let a thousand SMMEs bloom

Many people are not suited to being business owners. But for people who are willing to put up with long hours, lots of stress and tiresome paperwork, there are great potential rewards. The idea that entrepreneurship can fix South Africa’s unemployment problem, as some politicians and commentators have been suggesting, is unrealistic but small businesses can certainly get more people into work and improve lives.

Entrepreneurship is a new subject at some TVET colleges and a productive area for SMMEs is in the supply chains of big companies. The support of a corporate, a mining or a retail company can take many forms: low-interest loans, equipment, advice, transport, access to land or markets and offtake agreements.

South Africa also has several active incubators, helping businesses survive and thrive. One such entity is the Tholoana Enterprise Programme, which operates outside of the major supply chains and in rural areas. Backed by the SAB Foundation, Tholoana mentors owners, teaches business skills and provides access to resources. Running a business is hard work, but there is help out there for entrepreneurs who want to learn the ropes.

In this issue of Opportunity 

Minerals Council South Africa CEO Mzila Mthenjane outlines his vision for how mining can transform South Africa. The sector will play a key role in the national and global transition to new energy.

SMMEs are the focus of Nico Jacobs’ work as CEO of the South African Future Trust. An interview with Nico covers the transition this fund is making from being dedicated to helping businesses meet their payrolls during the Covid pandemic to having a broader remit, including consulting with SMME owners and putting them in touch with advisors. Nico also reflects on the inaugural South African Future Trust Summit.

A team of legal experts from Webber Wentzel present an argument for a positive approach to the growing centrality of environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues in mining. Sustainability in mining is also the subject of Rudie Opperman’s article, but his focus is technology. Opperman is well placed to discuss how mining can better utilise many new technologies to reduce environmental impact.

Energy has been an important area of focus for all businesses in recent times, and retail is no exception. Solly Engelbrecht, National Logistics Executive at The SPAR Group, applies his mind to the future of distribution in the retail sector in an energy-scarce world. Localisation is among the key approaches that should be adopted to ensure a reliable power supply. Having worked on the use of mobile apps with the insurance industry, Yaron Assabi, the founder of the Digital Solutions Group (DSG), has penetrating insights into how a frictionless commerce experience can improve customer retention.

Many South Africans will be interested and relieved to read that loadshedding can be beaten. Vodacom Group Chief Technology Officer, Dejan Kastelic, explains how “virtual wheeling” has been trialled and tested by his company, working with Eskom.

In an article about the impact of paper on forests, the Paper Manufacturers Association of South Africa (PAMSA) analyses the results of an international survey into environmental perceptions. Cymbeline Harilal, Instructional Designer at The Independent Institute of Education, contributes an article on how universities should be equipping students with the relevant skills for the modern workplace. Another article focusses on the potential South Africa’s Marine Protected Areas hold for the tourism sector.

John Young, Editor
Opportunity magazine

Read or download this issue of Opportunity

Opportunity magazine is a niche business-to-business publication that explores various investment opportunities within Southern Africa’s economic sectors. The publication is endorsed by the South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SACCI).

What the SA government is doing to hold plastic producers accountable

By Julia Evans

Globally, an estimated 353-million tons of plastic waste are produced each year, only about 10% of which is recycled. Locally, according to the World Wide Fund for Nature in South Africa, a little over 2.5-million tons of plastic are produced annually. The Department of Forestry Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) says poor waste management practices mean that as much as half of post-consumer plastic is not properly disposed of and risks leaking into the environment.

At the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-2) on Plastic Pollution, which took place in Paris in June 2023, 175 nations, including South Africa, reaffirmed their commitment to developing an international legally binding instrument to end plastic pollution, including in the marine environment, by the end of 2024.

“In my view, such an international legally binding agreement aims to bring about greater accountability, cooperation and innovation between government, industry, extended producer schemes and waste reclaimers to address the plastic pollution problem,” says Minister of Forestry and Fisheries and Environmental Affairs, Barbara Creecy.

Earth Negotiations Bulletin reported that the end of the meeting saw delegates agree to set out a path for the phase between the INC-2 and the INC-3, mandating the preparation of a “zero draft” of the new plastic treaty to be considered at INC-3. Ghana, for the African Group, supported establishing an international legally binding instrument, which is something the South African delegation also sought to do.

“In South Africa, the negotiating process is already bringing about greater agreement collaboration between all stakeholders as they work to identify achievable goals to ensure plastic waste and pollution is effectively addressed,” adds Creecy.

Placing responsibility on the producers

Creecy acknowledges that South Africa has significant waste management challenges, which include “poor landfill practices and sporadic household waste collection as well as unacceptable levels of illegal dumping in many parts of the country”.

She says that South Africa’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes for paper and packaging had begun the important work of diverting waste from landfill sites.

The EPR is a policy approach that shifts the responsibility from the consumer to the producer when it comes to waste management. It was established in 2008 and requires producers to develop and submit waste management plans and finance the collection, recycling and disposal of the waste generated by their products.

Jane Barrett from Women in Informal Employment: Globalising and Organising, which supports the organising of waste pickers, explains that the EPR gets manufacturers to take responsibility for some of the costs of the disposal and/or recycling of their products and packaging. For example, products like paper and packaging, electrical and electronic equipment (e-waste), lighting and tyres have been identified by South African legislation as having a significant environmental impact and are subject to EPR legislation.

Creecy says that in 2022 more than 1.5-million tons of paper and packing were diverted from landfills through recycling, recovery and treatment.

What government is doing

Creecy has previously acknowledged South Africa’s failing waste management system, which is run by local municipalities, reporting that a third of households still don’t have weekly waste removal.

To support municipalities, Creecy said her department would focus on improving cleanliness in provincial capitals as part of the reinvigorated Presidential Good Green Deeds Programme.

“Here in the Western Cape, we will be focusing on the broader Cape Flats region where many formal and informal settlements have inadequate waste removal and plastic leaches into rivers and eventually into the sea,” says Creecy.

Through the Expanded Public Works Programme, the DFFE would offer work opportunities to 2 000 women, young people and persons with disabilities per province to support the cleaning and greening of provincial capitals by assisting in litter picking in prioritised streets as well as clearing illegal dumps, planting trees and promoting recycling services.

“Their efforts are complemented by the 32 waste enterprises that have been supported to increase recycling of construction and demolition waste, plastic, packaging and other waste streams,” says Creecy.

The minister concludes that through her department’s Recycling Enterprise Support Programme, 56 startups, emerging SMMEs and co-operatives operating in the waste sector had been supported in the past six years, with the department providing more than R300-million in financial support, creating 1 558 jobs and diverting more than 200 000 tons of waste from landfills.

Article courtesy The Conversation

Government to tackle plastic pollution with labour, plastic sector

While government has made progress in tackling plastic pollution, it has committed to address the problem of plastic pollution in consultation with the plastic industry and organised labour as the sector sustains approximately 60 000 jobs.

Over the past two years, five registered extended producer schemes that support plastic waste collection and recycling have been registered in the country, resulting in the removal of 368 600 tons of plastic waste from the environment.

“It has supported between 60 000 and 90 000 waste reclaimers and it has promoted hundreds of public clean-up and public education initiatives,” Creecy says.

The minister was addressing the National Stakeholder Consultation Session on the INC-3 on the development of the international legally binding instrument on curbing plastic pollution taking place in Nairobi, Kenya.

“South Africa has a significant plastics industry that sustains approximately 60 000 formal jobs. Because of this, we will ensure that as we approach the problem of plastic pollution and the measures necessary, we work in consultation with the plastics industry and organised labour.

“In the retail and fast-food space many outlets have substituted single-use plastics with biodegradable products. We now have regulatory requirements for recyclate content in plastic and black bags,” the minister says.

The minister says the following principles must guide negotiations with the plastic sector:

    • All decisions must be based on the best available science and what this science is telling us about the impact of certain products on the environment.
    • There needs to be open and transparent sharing of information about the chemicals used in plastic production, given the various applications of plastics in food contact applications.
    • The new international legally binding instrument will result in the need for new regulatory controls on a domestic level.
    • Should the international instrument lead to obligatory measures to curb plastic pollution, there will be a need for these measures to be supported by equally ambitious means of implementation. Developing countries will argue for a financial mechanism that would ensure predictable and adequate financial resources to assist in curbing plastic pollution.

“On the domestic front we understand that this requires a holistic approach that understands the full life cycle of plastic manufacture, use and disposal in the context of the National Waste Management Strategy 2020,” the minister says.

Accordingly, South Africa has focused on three aspects:

    • Supporting and strengthening municipal waste management services to prevent plastic leaking into the environment.
    • Developing EPR schemes to collect, reuse and recycle plastic waste to promote a circular economy in the plastic industry.
    • Promoting public awareness and clean-up campaigns to remove plastic waste from rivers, wetlands and beaches.

SAnews.gov.za

2024 South African agriculture sector overview

Credit: ZZ2

The biggest tomato producer in the southern hemisphere has started planting and trading in avocados. ZZ2’s new R128-million processing facility in Limpopo for avocados and tomatoes is complete. With floor space of 11 200m² the facility is large, but then everything about ZZ2 tends to be on a big scale. The company’s website gives a figure for tomato production of 190 000 tons, a total which allows ZZ2 to cater for all market channels and income groups.

ZZ2’s new R128-million processing facility in Limpopo for avocados and tomatoes is complete.

The main operations of the company are in Limpopo but it has facilities in the Western Cape, Eastern Cape, Gauteng, North West, Mpumalanga and Namibia. ZZ2 grows a large assortment of fruits including mangoes, onions, dates, cherries, apples, pears, stone fruit, almonds and blueberries. There are ambitious plans to increase market share in avocados, a highly sought after and popular export product. A joint venture between ZZ2, Mission Produce and Criterion Africa Partners will see more than 1 000ha of avocado orchards developed, but ZZ2 will continue to develop other orchards independently. So far, the Selokwe Agri JV has planted 250ha.

The EU market has the best potential, with average per capita consumption in that area currently less than half that of the US. South Africa has an edge over Peru in that the season begins before the South American’s peak period and the aim is to supply the popular Hass variety all year round. Core Fruit has been contracted to handle the logistics and transportation of product to Europe.

According to Fruit SA, 324 000 South Africans are employed in the fresh fruit industry, which accounted for 35% (or R63-billion) of the country’s agricultural exports in 2021/22. South Africa is the world’s second-largest exporter of citrus fruit. A national export record was achieved in 2020, with 146-million cartons of fresh citrus being exported (second only to Spain).

Sugar Industry

In the sugar industry, South Africa has for a long time been used to the dominance of two large companies, Illovo and Tongaat Hulett. The latter group going into business rescue in 2020 was a major shock, not only to the many businesses which rely on the sugar producer in KwaZulu-Natal, but because the company has a long history and has become one of the biggest corporate names in the South African economy.

In 2022 seven former Tongaat Hulett senior executives appeared in court on charges of fraud for allegedly backdating sales agreements of the company’s property division to score better bonuses. The business rescue practitioners (BRP), Metis Strategic Advisors, managed to keep 2 500 employed at the company and invested more than R400-million in off-crop capital maintenance between December 2022 and April 2023.

Companies are bidding for troubled Tongaat Hulett.

In 2023, the BRP produced a statement which read, in part: “It is beyond question that the successful rescue of especially THL’s sugar operations in South Africa will save tens of thousands, possibly hundreds of thousands, of direct and indirect jobs. We take this responsibility very seriously and are confident that Tongaat Hulett has a future.” A number of bids to buy the company have been made.

The sugar industry itself faces many challenges, not least the imposition of a sugar tax and imports from countries such as Brazil, India and Thailand. Diversification is vital for the future and power generation will be an important part of that. Neither of the Big Two companies relies exclusively on South African sugar earnings: the troubled Tongaat Hulett has a big property portfolio and Illovo draws most of its profit from operations elsewhere in Africa.

A start has been made on tackling the many challenges faced by the sugar industry: the Sugarcane Value Chain Master Plan 2030 has been signed. Of the 10 443 farmers who supply Tongaat Hulett, 94% are small-scale farmers. The Illovo Small-Scale Grower Cane Development Project used 119 local contractors to develop the fields of 1 630 new growers on 3 000ha. SA Canegrowers represents 23 866 growers and is responsible for the production of 18.9-million cane tons. The Sugar Terminal at Maydon Wharf, Durban, serves 11 mills and can store more than half-a-million tons of sugar.

National assets

AgriSA states that the amount of agricultural land in South Africa in 2016 stood at 93.5-million hectares. This represents 76.3% of South Africa’s total land mass of 122.5-million hectares and about 3% less than in 1994.

A total of 70% of South Africa’s grain production is maize, which covers 60% of the cropping area of the country. KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga produce sugar, but volumes are down.

The Free State Province supplies significant proportions of the nation’s sorghum, sunflower, potatoes, groundnuts, dry beans, and almost all of its cherries.

South Africa is famous for its fruit, of which 35% is citrus, 23% subtropical and nuts, 26% pome fruit, 11% stone fruit and 9% table grapes. Most of South Africa’s citrus and subtropical fruit comes from the eastern part of Limpopo. There are about 3 500 wine producers in South Africa, with the majority located in the Western Cape.

The Eastern Cape is the largest livestock province, which includes Angora goats, from whom mohair is taken. The province is the centre of the country’s mohair value chain. South Africa has a beef herd of 14-million. South Africa’s milk producers normally produce about 3.3-billion litres of milk every year.

Angora goats, Eastern Cape Province. (Credit: SAMIL Natural Fibres)

Hotel & Hospitality Expo Africa 2024

Africa’s dedicated exhibition for the Hotel & Hospitality sector

Now in its 7th year, the event has been renamed the Hotel & Hospitality Expo Africa. This is a must-attend event for everyone involved in supplying and/or buying for the hotel and hospitality market across sub-Sahara Africa.

Exhibiting at the show puts your company in front of thousands of regional and international buyers from hotels, restaurants, and resorts. Our carefully curated show sectors ensure that you are perfectly positioned to meet your target clients.

Hotel & Hospitality Expo Africa will be held from 11-13 June 2024, at the Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg, South Africa.

Show dates:                               

11 June 2024, 10:00 – 17:00 (GMT +2)
12 June 2024, 10:00 – 17:00 (GMT +2)
13 June 2024, 10:00 – 16:00 (GMT +2)

Venue: Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg, South Africa

Go to the Hotel & Hospitality Expo website
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