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Women Managers Leadership Retreat

Intelligence Transfer Centre (ITC) will be hosting the Women Managers Leadership Retreat set to take place on 15th, 16th & 17th November 2023 at The Salt Rock Hotel & Beach Resort, Durban. 

This three-day conference objective is to engage on leadership in a holistic manner including mind, body and soul. With the year coming to a close it is vital to allow time to reflect, plan for the year ahead while also taking time out to recharge.

Emphasis will be on social and wellness issues that plague women and society on a daily basis, solutions and tools will be discussed at the conference.

Confirmed speakers include:

  • Nosipho Damasane, (Author, speaker, executive coach) Chairman – RICHARDS BAY COAL TERMINAL;
  • Moloko Komane, Executive Director | Head of CVM | Founder & CEO | Keynote Speaker | Author | Mentor;
  • Thandeka Nene, CEO – BUONO GROUP (PTY) LTD; Capt.
  • Londy Ngcobo, Ship Navigator | Africa’s First Female Dredge Master | Founder of Global Maritime Youth;
  • Winile Mothsoane, Director of Public Sector – BIOKINETICS ASSOCIATION OF SOUTH AFRICA (BASA);
  • Milisa Kentane (Cert. Dir.) (CPRP), Group Manager: Strategic Communication- COUNCIL FOR SCIENTIFIC AND INDUSTRIAL RESEARCH (CSIR);
  • Refilwe Mongale, Human Resources Specialist|Wellness Coordinator |Content Creator| Women and Youth empowerment Advocate | Purpose Coach| Founder- REFESEDI TRUE TASK

The coaching sessions will focus on exploring Leadership Styles for Women Introduction, relationship between physical health and mental health, success factors for women leaders (especially in male dominated industries), brand alignment, personal branding for women in leadership and wealth creation for financial wellness

All delegates will take part in wellness consultations, yoga, spa treatments a half day survivor challenge, gala dinner and horse riding on the beach.

To register for the conference contact Amrita on 0113262501, e-mail amrita@intelligencetransferc.co.za or visit www.intelligencetransferc.co.za

Intelligence Transfer Centre (ITC) is a leading South African conferencing and training company headquartered in Johannesburg, and has regional offices in Durban and Namibia, with the key function of offering thoroughly researched conferences for various industries.

ITC started its operations 2007 and executes over 42 conferences and workshops annually, both local and international. ITC is MICT SETA accredited and a level 1 B-BBEE company which believes in closing the knowledge gap across the Public and Private sector through creating platforms for people to gather and exchange ideas in the form of conferences or in-house training. The organisation prides itself on sharing international best practices and every conference connects delegates with international leaders and leading brands within their respective markets.

Our events present your brand with the opportunity to access your direct target market and to interact with industry professionals. We understand the importance of lead generation and our conferences will bring you a host of compatible customers in your journey of building brand loyalty.

Business Process Management Conference for Government & SOEs

Five Current Trends Shaping Business Process Management Today

“While BPM is in existence for the longest time, a revolution is currently underway in this field. Cloud computing, formerly assumed to be a technology reserved for giant enterprises with large budgets, is increasingly becoming a must for businesses of all kinds. Because of digital transformation and the increasing wave of low-code and no-code software, BPM is witnessing some different trends. There are five major trends that will dominate and shape the future of BPM, namely, Analytics Centre Stage, Democratisation of BPM, Intelligent Process Modelling, Increased Automation Using Low-Code Platforms, Greater Collaboration.” Read more: Business Process Management (BPM) – Five Current Trends Shaping BPM Today! (mware.co.za)

With this in mind, Intelligence Transfer Centre is hosting the 15th Business Process Management Conference for Government & State-Owned Enterprises to be held on 25 & 26 October 2023 at CSIR, Pretoria.

The aim of the conference is to assist government departments with improving their BPM processes while also enhancing product quality or measures of process performance. Delegates will gain more understanding of continuous improvement of service delivery, increasing quality and reducing costs.

What you can expect:

With a total of 12 speakers who will be presenting at this conference, it promises to be one of the most informative conferences we’ve hosted to date. We are very excited to have the Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA), Department of Employment and Labour, South African Police Service (SAPS) and Transnet National Ports Authority, just to name a few.

We will unpack topics surrounding the lessons learnt on the Institutionalisation of the Operations Management Framework with a specific focus on BPM, Discussing the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on the Management of Business Processes in the South African Public Service, Discussing Business Process Modernisation Programmes in the Public Service, Creating and Implementing effective Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in your organization, Learning lean Six Sigma principles to enhance operational efficiency and customer satisfaction in the Public Sector and Improving Business Process Reengineering projects in Government and State-Owned Enterprises.

Attend this conference and get an opportunity to interact with industry leaders and improve your knowledge and create networks.

Should you be interested in attending or sponsoring this conference, email: amrita@intelligencetransferc.co.za

1st Annual Employee Wellness Conference

Intelligence Transfer Centre (ITC) will be hosting the 1st Annual Employee Wellness Conference which will be held on the 25th & 26th October 2023 at Accolades Boutique Venue, Midrand.

The main focus of this conference is Employee Wellness as a multi-faceted concept referring to the overall well-being, environment and health of employees in the workplace.

Attendees should brace themselves for a conference that will highlight the importance of overall wellness for a healthy work environment, how this can drive productivity and the benefits of having happy employees, as well as discussing ways to provide a better work environment for employee’s mental health, wellness and general health for better productivity, job satisfaction and career growth, employee retention, diversity, absenteeism, sexual harassment, occupational safety to name a few.

Some of the confirmed speaker departments and entities include, THE PRESIDENCY OF REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA, GAUTENG DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, GAUTENG DEPARTMENT OF INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT, SOUTH AFRICAN DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY GROUP, MOMENTUM CORPORATE, BANKMED MEDICAL SCHEME, just to name a few.

To register for the conference, contact Amrita on 0113262501, e-mail amrita@intelligencetransferc.co.za or visit www.intelligencetransferc.co.za

Intelligence Transfer Centre (ITC) is a leading South African conferencing and training company headquartered in Johannesburg, and has regional offices in Durban and Namibia, with the key function of offering thoroughly researched conferences for various industries.

ITC started its operations 2007 and executes over 42 conferences and workshops annually, both local and international. ITC is MICT SETA accredited and a level 1 B-BBEE company which believes in closing the knowledge gap across the Public and Private sector through creating platforms for people to gather and exchange ideas in the form of conferences or in-house training. The organisation prides itself on sharing international best practices and every conference connects delegates with international leaders and leading brands within their respective markets.

Our events present your brand with the opportunity to access your direct target market and to interact with industry professionals. We understand the importance of lead generation and our conferences will bring you a host of compatible customers in your journey of building brand loyalty.

5th Annual Pension Funds Conference

Intelligence Transfer Centre (ITC) will be hosting the 5th Annual Pension Funds Conference set to take place on the 18th & 19th October 2023 at CSIR, Pretoria. The conference objective is to deliberate on the pertinent issues relating to the future of Employees Pension in the face of the 2-pot system that will be coming into effect in 2024.

“The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) welcomes the release of the Draft Revenue Laws Amendment Bill and the Draft Revenue Administration and Pension Laws Amendment Bill by Treasury. These progressive Bills provide for all workers, public and private, early access to their pension funds as per the engagements and agreements between Treasury and COSATU.” – Early access to their pension funds will provide relief – COSATU – POLITICS | Politicsweb

Confirmed speaker organisations include GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES PENSION FUND (GEPF), UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE FUND (UIF), ALEXANDER FORBES INVESTMENTS, LIMPOPO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, ENVIRONMENT & TOURISM, COSATU, HAWKS DIRECTORATE FOR PRIORITY CRIME INVESTIGATIONS, NORTON ROSE FULBRIGHT SOUTH AFRICA INC, FASKEN, LIBERTY CORPORATE, EVEREST WEALTH

Pertinent issues to be discussed include:

  • The Impact of the Two-Pot Retirement System on the Government Employees Pension Fund and its members, 
  • the implementation of new Legislative changes relating to pensions and the “two-pot” system, 
  • Pension Funds investment options,
  • what to consider when investing your pension,
  • providing insight into the vital aspects to consider when designing employee benefit packages,
  • addressing challenges arising due to unclaimed pension funds,
  • legal enforcement tools to counter embezzlement of retirement funds,
  • explaining all UIF Benefits,
  • explaining Regulation 28 of the Pension Funds Act in relation to investment portfolio management,
  • addressing the implications for long-term investments in relation to the influx of members opting to access a portion of their pension, and
  • demystifying the calculating tax on employees’ pensions.

To register for the conference, contact Amrita on 0113262501, e-mail amrita@intelligencetransferc.co.za or visit www.intelligencetransferc.co.za

ITC is a leading South African conferencing and training company headquartered in Johannesburg, and has regional offices in Durban and Namibia, with the key function of offering thoroughly researched conferences for various industries.

ITC started its operations 2007 and executes over 42 conferences and workshops annually, both local and international. ITC is MICT SETA accredited and a level 1 B-BBEE company which believes in closing the knowledge gap across the Public and Private sector through creating platforms for people to gather and exchange ideas in the form of conferences or in-house training. The organisation prides itself on sharing international best practice and every conference connects delegates with international leaders and leading brands within their respective markets.

Our events present your brand with the opportunity to access your direct target market and to interact with industry professionals. We understand the importance of lead generation and our conferences will bring you a host of compatible customers in your journey of building brand loyalty.

Agriculture training is embracing new technology

Women in Farming participants on a butternut field in Empolweni - via KwaZulu-Natal Business
Women in Farming participants on a butternut field in Empolweni. Credit: Sisekelo Duma

A group of young black female farmers are in the process of completing a three-year incubator programme which will equip them with the skills to compete in the marketplace and expand their businesses.

The Momentum Metropolitan’s Women in Farming programme offers training in mental wellness and analysis, poultry and vegetable farming, soil fertility and plant nutrition. At the end of the programme, graduates are invited to become part of the Pietermaritzburg Agri network, qualifying as contracted traders while receiving exposure to new market access opportunities.

The two agricultural colleges in KwaZulu-Natal, Cedara and Owen Sitole, are to become the sites of digital transformation and new technologies. The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) is investing in 4IR to improve agricultural production and intends turning research stations into centres of excellence. Cedara is in the Midlands and the Owen Sitole College of Agriculture is near Empangeni.

In the 2023/24 financial year, 340 agricultural graduates will be enrolled by DARD on farms where they will learn practical skills. Coaching and mentorship underpin this programme, now in its third year.

Another DARD initiative is to promote food security through the planting of seedlings. The target in 2023/24 is 10-million seedlings on 6 293 ha, a project that will create 115 jobs for young people.

Sugar industry

Tongaat Hulett 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.

As a result of finding massive holes in the balance sheet, many assets had to be sold, including Tambankulu Estates in Eswatini for R375-million.

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.

At the end of May 2023, the BRP produced a statement which read, in part: “When the business entered business rescue in October 2022, the operations were brought to a standstill as there was no free cash available to fund operations or to settle creditors or employees.

Business rescue practitioners believe in Tongaat Hulett’s future.

“A constant factor in our minds in the execution of this business rescue is the enormous social impact of the businesses under our care. 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.”

In July 2023, Metis announced that a Tanzanian company, Kagera Sugar, was the preferred buyer of Tongaat, a decision that will be referred to shareholders later in the year.

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 by two national government ministers and various sector participants. An important part of the transformation of the sugar industry involves supporting small-scale farmers. 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. It also has a molasses mixing plant.

Agricultural assets

Of KwaZulu-Natal’s 6.5-million hectares of agricultural land, 18% is arable and the balance is suitable for the rearing of livestock. The province’s forests occur mostly in the southern and northern edges of the province.

The coastal areas lend themselves to sugar production and fruit, with subtropical fruits doing particularly well in the north. KwaZulu-Natal produces 7% of South Africa’s citrus fruit. The Coastal Farmers Co-operative represents 1 400 farmers.

TWK is a R6-billion operation that originated in forestry but which is now a diverse agricultural company with seven operating divisions. It has 19 trade outlets in the province and 21 in Swaziland and Mpumalanga.

Beef originates mainly in the Highveld and Midlands areas, with dairy production being undertaken in the Midlands and south. The province produces 18% of South Africa’s milk.

KwaZulu-Natal’s subsistence farmers hold 1.5-million cattle, which represents 55% of the provincial beef herd, and their goat herds account for 74% of the province’s stock. The Midlands is also home to some of the country’s finest racehorse stud farms. The area around Camperdown is one of the country’s most important areas for pig farming. Vegetables grow well in most areas, and some maize is grown in the north-west. Nuts such as pecan and macadamia thrive.

Enterprise iLembe, the development arm of the iLembe District Municipality, is looking for investors to further develop an agro-processing hub near the King Shaka International Airport and Dube TradePort. 

More online resources:

SACCI continues to expand international contacts

The South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SACCI) regularly engages in contact with foreign delegations and has signed a number of Memorandums of Understanding (MOU).

This includes agreements with bodies as diverse as the EU Chamber in South Africa, the Morocco Chamber of Commerce, the South African Chinese Entrepreneurs Association, the African Chambers Alliance, the Qatar Chamber of Commerce and the Canada Council Africa.

High Level Business Forum: South Africa – Bulgaria

The President of Bulgaria, His Excellency Rumen Radev visited South Africa for the first time on 12-13 May 2023. A major event during the President’s visit was the bilateral Business Forum, which took place on 12 May 2023.

The anticipated outcome of the Business-to-Business Matchmaking session and Business Forum is to increase trade and investment between South Africa and Bulgaria, strengthening the partnership for increased levels of investment and trade.

The Bulgarian business delegation was led by Mr Hristo Aleksiev, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport. The host was the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (dtic).

SACCI Logo - South African BusinessThe CEOs of 30 of the most innovative, investment- and trade-oriented Bulgarian companies were present at the event to meet their counterparts and discuss possible future collaborations. These companies are in key sectors of the modern economy such as ICT and fintech, renewable energy, defence, agriculture and food processing, pharmaceuticals, future-oriented transport means and logistics.

Some of the Bulgarian companies are already represented in South Africa and on the African continent at large, while others are open to new joint ventures. The Bulgarian CEOs were keen to establish mutually-beneficial business partnerships in the B2B sessions, which followed after the official opening.

A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between SACCI and the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI).

The purpose of the MOU is to:
  • take the initiative to exchange market and economic information and to disseminate to the businessmen of both sides information on services and partnership possibilities that may be available from either or both entities
  • provide sectoral assistance to the representatives of the other party in all matters of this MOU
  • notify each other of and assist each other in events promoting the products of their business communities and to extend joint ventures in the two business bases of the contracting parties
  • organise meetings and seminars and assist with trade missions
  • to inform about investment, joint-ventures and advantageous trade opportunities

High Level Business Forum: South Africa ­– Colombia

The Embassy of the Republic of Colombia in South Africa had the honour of hosting Her Excellency Ms Francia Elena Márquez Mina, Vice-President of Republic of Colombia, on 12 -14 May 2023, in an event aimed at strengthening Colombia-Africa relations at the bilateral, trade, cultural and multilateral levels.

This historic visit marked a milestone in Colombia- South Africa relations and the Colombia – Africa relations, as it constituted the beginning of the implementation of the “Africa Strategy 2022-2026” led by the Vice-President and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Colombia.

The Embassy particularly welcomed the support and presence of the South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry in the Business Forum Colombia- South Africa held at the Sandton Convention Centre of Johannesburg, pictured.

The event was co-hosted by the Embassy of Colombia in South Africa, the Bogotá Chamber of Commerce (CCB) and SACCI, in partnership with the Pan-African Council, Trade & Investment KwaZulu-Natal (TIKZN) and the Randburg Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI).

The Embassy welcomed the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between SACCI and CCB and noted that it looked forward to the start of a strong relationship for the growth and prosperity of both countries’ business sectors. SACCI and the BCC have the common goal of focusing on activities to foster the expansion of trade and investments between SACCI and the territory under the jurisdiction of the CCB, the Bogotá region.

 

Women Leaders in Government and SOE’s honour their commitment to lead

“Servant leadership is what every Government official signed up for as they chose their career path and was elected into public office,” says Sudhira Sewsunker, Co-founder of Pinpoint Stewards and organiser of the annual conference. “The conference will profile exceptional leaders who have made a difference in how they have served the public and the country as a whole by portraying sound leadership characteristics.”

Deputy Minister Bernice Swarts

These women leaders will take to the stage to develop, unite and empower others to lead, with Honorable Bernice Swarts, Deputy Minister, Department of Public Works & Infrastructure, RSA, delivering the keynote address on Economic transformation and inclusion through the delivery and roll-out of bulk infrastructure services.

South Africa’s Shadow Minister for Social Development, Bridget Masango, will be deliberating on the massive contribution of women in all sectors being ignored at the nation’s peril – looking at how women can change this narrative?

Bridget Masango

Deputy Executive Mayor, Overberg District Municipality and Provincial SWC Chair, Helen Coetzee, will provide a roadmap on taking charge of your career development when transitioning from colleague to leader.

Making relationship building your key competency as leader through self-awareness by connecting at all levels and giving you tools to work through conflict while building a spirit of cooperation will be spotlighted by Wendy Kaizer-Philander, Chief Whip, Western Cape Provincial Parliament.

Wendy Kaizer-Philander

Zuziwe Mjongile-Dumile, Technical Manager, Transnet Port Terminal – Cape Town, will be addressing what is mentorship and what it’s not – towards shaping and uplifting more women into leadership roles.

Taking on the critical topic of building trust as a leader by giving clear direction towards a goal is SAFCOL’s, Christelle Faul Marais who is the Group Chief Risk Officer & Exco Member.

Survivor of human trafficking and UN recognised activist Grizelda Grootboom, Founder, Survivor Exit Foundation NPC, will render her plea to put a stop to sexual exploitation of women and children which leads to human trafficking. Pinpoint Steward have selected the Survivor Exit Foundation and Salvation Army as their beneficiary to support the fight against human trafficking.

Christelle Faul Marais

Lt Gen Khosi Senthumule, Divisional Commissioner Detective and Forensic Services (DDG), SAPS, will be presenting on: becoming an effective government leader by knowing how to stay cool under pressure and tackle challenges head on.

Matshidiso Jansen – Mwase, Chief Director: Corporate Services, North West Provincial Treasury will address; finding your feet and succeeding in male dominated environments by using Emotional Intelligence and key leadership traits.

“The conference is an a-political platform with one goal in mind – leadership development for women ensure the succession of women leaders to rise and be elected to serve,” says Sewsunker.

The conference will also afford delegates and speakers time to network and engage during the conference with much needed networking activities at the end of each day in a relaxed environment. Early bird registration close on 2 October. To sponsor a table at the conference email info@pinpointstewards.co.za or visit www.pinpointstewards.co.za

Capacity to grow together: Windaba to seek solutions to grid constraints

Wind Energy - Wind Turbines

If we want to end power shortages through sustainable energy sources then we must as a matter of urgency address the biggest stumbling block to bringing renewable energy onstream – grid capacity.

That is the call from the South African Wind Energy Association (SAWEA), as they prepare for Windaba – Africa’s premier wind energy conference and exhibition.

The conference, which takes place from the 3rd of October to 5th of October 2023 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC), will shine a spotlight on the importance of investing and developing a stable grid that can receive the large amounts of wind-, and other renewable energy, available.

This will be welcome news to stakeholders from across the wind energy value chain who were frustrated by the disappointment of none of the 23 wind projects submitted during round six of REIPPPP being announced as preferred bidders due to lack of grid capacity to accommodate them. “SAWEA, together with our members, have taken a proactive and positive approach towards building resilience, enhancing grid integration and futureproofing the energy sector,” says Niveshen Govender, SAWEA Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

It is vital for industry to continue to work closely with government, investors and project developers to create the right conditions that will enable the energy sector to flourish. “As a priority, industry requires a favourable regulatory environment for the rollout of renewable energy. Windaba will provide stakeholders from across the energy sector the opportunity to come together and coalesce around a coordinated approach that will strengthen or expand the grid infrastructure build as quickly and efficiently as possible.”

Organised by SAWEA and supported by the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC), Windaba will feature a roster of local specialists and international experts who will explore and recommend the best path to delivering a sustainable energy supply to the nation.

Windaba is a key date for the diary for anyone interested in Africa’s energy transition.

Day 1 of the conference will feature three (3) informative and engaging sessions that will help attendees understand the current constraints and potential mitigation routes as well as how to ensure grid code compliance.

There will also be an in-depth presentation from Eskom representatives outlining how they will implement their elaborate Transmission Development Plan (TDP) and address insufficient transmission infrastructure. “There are enough renewable energy projects to resolve South Africa’s energy crisis before 2030. However, these shovel ready projects require allocation on the grid, which is currently unable to accommodate all the available projects,” adds Govender.

Attendees at Windaba will also explore international best practice, looking to other countries that have experienced similar grid capacity issues. Options to be discussed will include the implementation of battery storage projects as well as the co-location of wind and solar PV projects at the same grid connection points.

“We cannot afford any further delays in the deployment of new generation capacity. However, we must not just think of short-term fixes. Together with government we need a long-term strategy that will enable us to meet current and future energy needs in a sustainable manner,” concludes Govender.

Windaba is a key date for the diary for anyone interested in Africa’s energy transition. Set to bring together key players from both the public and private sector, there will be a packed schedule of engaging talks, informative panel discussions and excellent networking opportunities. Register today!

Year-on-year, the conference brings together more than 600 delegates and industry exhibitors. The conference will continue to provide the most relevant and current wind sector information to aid and influence strategic decision making.

Find out more, go to https://www.windaba.co.za/

PRASA’s future vision and the role of the SARA Conference

As anticipation builds for the upcoming Southern African Railway Association (SARA) Conference and Exhibition, the spotlight turns to key operators set to make a significant impact. One such operator is the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA), the state-owned sole provider of passenger rail services in the country, as it prepares to showcase its latest achievements and present its future plans at the event.

PRASA’s CEO, Hishaam Emeran, who is also the Vice President of SARA, delves into the significance of the event for the industry, PRASA, and the region as a whole.

As the state-owned sole provider of passenger rail services in South Africa, PRASA not only emphasises rail but also strategic long-distance bus services across the nation and in select SADC countries. Beyond this primary mandate, PRASA has ventured into generating non-fare revenue by commercialising its vast property portfolio, which aids in subsidising passenger rail operations.

In the past year alone, PRASA has achieved laudable milestones, from recovering its rail network to introducing new modern trains in major cities. By the end of this financial year, 80% of the corridors and lines will have been revitalised, offering South Africans an enhanced rail experience.

Anticipation for the SARA Conference

The upcoming SARA Conference and Exhibition is a keenly anticipated event on Emeran’s calendar. It serves as a platform for discussions on regional rail connectivity, innovative solutions for rail safety, and the transition to green technologies. A harmonised regional railway policy remains a critical goal, and the conference will play a significant role in advancing that agenda.

PRASA CEO Hishaam Emeran

“Over the past decade, it’s been clear that delivering freight and passenger rail services that best serve the people of the SADC region is critical. More needs to be done to implement a harmonised regional railway policy that includes standardised equipment and infrastructure. This conference brings together policymakers, operators, and equipment manufacturers. There’s an opportunity to move swiftly to create an optimal level of harmony. Travel costs are far too high for our citizens, and we urgently need to reduce them by transitioning from road to rail,” says Emeran.

The PRASA delegation attending the Southern African Railway Association (SARA) Conference and Exhibition in October hail from different operational areas of PRASA. This includes rail operations, safety, security, the technical team, and the new rolling stock team.

“The PRASA team is looking forward to this year’s SARA conference, meeting equipment suppliers, and learning more about the innovations on offer from the continent and the region. As you may know, we are implementing the world’s largest Rolling Stock Renewal Programme. My team and I are ready to share the experience of this rolling stock modernisation programme, including the construction of the new train factory where Gibela builds the new trains for us,” notes Emeran.

Emeran is unequivocal about the significance of the SARA Conference and Exhibition. He believes it brings together key decision-makers from the Southern African Railways sector. This gathering isn’t merely about policy discussions but also about charting a bold future for railways in the region, especially in terms of attracting private investment.

“This is also an opportunity to align our plans as rail operators and create a bolder vision for the future of rail in Southern Africa. We are at the forefront of creating fit-for-purpose rail solutions and attracting private investment in our space,” comments Emeran.

The future trajectory of the railway industry in Southern Africa

The winds of the Fourth Industrial Revolution have certainly reached the region’s shores. Rail players in the region must be prepared to embrace and champion intelligent technologies to shape the future of the rail environment.

There is much talk around intra-Africa trade. Making the SADC rail network and systems more interoperable will ensure that trains, rail infrastructure, and control systems from SADC member states are compatible enough to interact with one another, ensuring efficiency and safe operation of trains across borders and between different railway networks.

“Railway interoperability can be the game-changer and catalyst to boost intra-African trade, productivity, and regional economic growth. To realise this vision, we’ll need the right set of digital skills to operate new technologies, as well as funding and investment in research and innovation. The rail sector is poised to play an increasingly critical role, given its potential to be the backbone of not only public transport but also industrialisation in Southern Africa while addressing sustainability and climate change issues. It is the safest and most affordable mode of transport, making it ideal for cities and countries that want to move goods and people efficiently and affordably. Our sector must enhance its contribution to the economy while improving people’s lives,” observes Emeran.

Emeran concludes, “As the Deputy President of SARA, I eagerly await engaging with all exhibitors at the conference. The influx of private sector players into SARA in recent years has been invigorating. It’s imperative we build a cohesive transport system for the SADC region, for the betterment of its citizens, because, ultimately, Together we are Better.”

The Southern African Railway Association (SARA) Conference and Exhibition takes place from the 25 – 27 October 2023 at the Gallagher Convention Centre, Johannesburg, South Africa.

For more information and to contact the team go to: https://www.sararailconference.com/

Hydrogen Online Conference 2023

Thousands of the world’s smartest hydrogen executives, experts, scientists and policy makers will attend the Hydrogen Online Conference (HOC) for one reason: The Content.

The Hydrogen Online Conference comprises 24 hours of groundbreaking, up-to-date and inspiring content from experts and industry leaders from the comfort of your home. Everything you hear at the HOC has a practical focus: the successful deployment of hydrogen technology, best-in-class real-world projects and the most ambitious plans out there.

The HOC is knowledge, ideas and inspiration for your own company or institution.

30+ Keynotes | 120+ Countries | 10,000+ Attendees

SPONSORS of the Hydrogen Online Conference 2023

Dräger Safety | Hexagon Purus | Refire | Siemens | Siemens Energy | Wenger Engineering GmbH

Get your FREE Live Ticket

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