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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

Special Economic Zones in South Africa propelled forward by partnerships

The anchor investor of the Namakwa SEZ in the Northern Cape is Vedanta Zinc International which is already running the Gamsberg Zinc Mine and intends to build a smelter. (Photo: Kevin Wright/Vedanta Zinc International)

The goal of industrialising the South African economy is a major objective of the Special Economic Zone programme. These zones (which include Industrial Parks) are intended as catalysts for economic growth in established sectors and in stimulating new industries.

Collaboration between national government (through the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, the dtic, which oversees the programme), provincial departments and municipalities, economic development agencies and private companies in key sectors is a vital component in making Special Economic Zones work.

Policy goals

As defined by the dtic, Special Economic Zones (SEZs) are geographically designated areas set aside for specifically-targeted economic activities, supported through special arrangements (laws, tax rebates) and systems that are often different from those that apply in the rest of the country.

South Africa’s Industrial Policy Action Plan (IPAP) identifies SEZs as growth engines towards government’s strategic objectives of industrialisation, regional development and employment creation.

The purpose of the SEZ programme is to: expand the industrialisation focus to cover diverse regional development needs; provide a clear, predictable and systemic planning framework for the development of a wider array of SEZs to support industrial policy objectives; clarify and strengthen governance arrangements, expand the range and quality of support measure beyond provision of infrastructure; and provide a framework for a predictable financing framework to enable long-term planning.

Partnerships

In some parts of the country, an anchor tenant is central to the concept of the approved or proposed SEZ.

In East London, the presence of Mercedes-Benz South Africa makes the clustering of automotive suppliers in the East London IDZ both logical and cost-effective. The Northern Cape’s proposed Namakwa SEZ is predicated on the huge operations of the existing Gamsberg Zinc Mine (pictured) and the proposed smelter to be built by international investor Vedanta Zinc International.

In eastern Limpopo, the Mining Supplier Park run by mining company Glencore is forming the core around which the Fetakgomo-Tubatse SEZ is being created. Local and district municipalities are investing in basic infrastructure, while the provincial government has allocated staff from its Department for Economic Development, Environment and Tourism to drive the process. The same provincial department has created a state-owned-company to run the Musina-Makhado SEZ in the northern part of the province.

The country’s biggest diamond miner, De Beers, is partnering with the local tertiary college, the Venda TVET College, by offering engineering graduates a chance to gain practical experience at its Musina operations. The decision by the college to locate its engineering facility within the SEZ is another example of collaboration.

Part of the value proposition of the Upington Industrial Park is based on the plans of Airports Company South Africa to develop the local airport as a base for storage of aircraft and for maintenance and repairs. The fact that major automotive manufacturers test their cars in the Northern Cape on a regular basis is something that the Northern Cape Economic Development Agency (NCEDA) is promoting as an opportunity for investors.

Mining is at the heart of another planned Northern Cape project, the Kathu IDZ. Big companies such as Sishen Iron Ore Company, Kumba, Assmang and South32 have expressed support and the project has been submitted by the NCEDA to Infrastructure South Africa to be registered as a catalytic project.

The OR Tambo International SEZ (Gauteng IDZ) leverages the advantages of being located at a major transport hub for access to African and international markets. The SEZ’s location within the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality means that there are also many opportunities for tie-ups with a huge variety of manufacturing enterprises – Ekurhuleni has the country’s densest concentration of manufacturing operations. An interesting example of inter-government partnership came about in December 2020 when the City of Cape Town transferred general industrial-zoned properties worth R56.5-million to the Atlantis Special Economic Zone Company (SOC) Ltd. In return, the City became a shareholder in the company.

An earlier cooperative agreement between the City of Cape Town and the Western Cape Provincial Government had set out the terms for the transaction once the Atlantis SEZ Company was registered.

The signing of this land agreement meant the ASEZ Company assumed responsibility for the usage, administration and control of the property. The total area of proclaimed land is 118 hectares, of which 25ha has already been developed by five investors. The difficulty was that the other 94ha of land belonged to the City of Cape Town and was subject to various conditions about the rate at which it could be rented out or sold. By incorporating the City of Cape Town as a shareholder, the land was unlocked and the SEZ was in a position to expand.

A few kilometres north of Atlantis, the Saldanha Bay Industrial Development Zone (SBIDZ) has to work hand-in-hand with the Saldanha Bay Municipality (SBM) and the Transnet National Port Authority (TNPA) as it defines its role and expands its offering. As an example of the level of cooperation envisaged for SEZ development, the R3.5-billion first phase of the expansion of the Port of Saldanha is described in an SBIDZ press release as being understood as “a long-term partnership between the government, its institutions and the private sector”.

The press release further explains how the process fits into the national context:

“This transaction model has proven the best way to fund long-term assets in a competitive environment. The SBIDZ has begun the formal process of submitting this project to the Investment and Infrastructure Office in the Office of the Presidency, supported by the National Treasury, for inclusion in the Sustainable Infrastructure Development Symposium (SIDS).”


Geographical focus

SEZs are located in areas with particular resources and historical sectoral strengths. The relevant SEZ is geared to serve, support and encourage development of those resources and sectors. There are currently 15 Special Economic Zones in eight provinces. Some of the zones are in the process of being officially proclaimed as SEZs.

  • Province: Limpopo
    • Name: Musina-Makhado SEZ
    • SEZ status: Approved
    • Focus: Light industrial, agro-processing, metallurgical, mineral beneficiation, solar power
  • Province: Limpopo
    • Name: Fetakgomo-Tubatse SEZ
    • SEZ status: Pending
    • Focus: Green energy, hydrogen, mining inputs, mineral beneficiation
  • Province: Gauteng
    • Name: Vaal SEZ
    • SEZ status: Pending
    • Focus: Logistics, agriculture and agro-processing, tourism, alternate energy (solar, battery storage, hydrogen)
  • Province: Gauteng
    • Name: OR Tambo International Airport (Gauteng IDZ)
    • SEZ status: Approved
    • Focus: Beneficiation of precious metals and minerals sector, light, high-margin, export-oriented manufacturing
  • Province: Gauteng
    • Name: Tshwane Automotive SEZ
    • SEZ status: Approved
    • Focus: Automotive, automotive components, manufacturing, export manufacturing
  • Province: Mpumalanga
    • Name: Nkomazi SEZ
    • SEZ Status: Approved
    • Focus: Strategic location on Maputo Corridor is major selling point; logistics, agro-processing, manufacturing, nutraceuticals, fertiliser products
  • Province: Free State
    • Name: Maluti-A-Phofung SEZ
    • SEZ status: Approved
    • Focus: Located on N3 highway; logistics, manufacturing, agro-processing
  • Province: KwaZulu-Natal
    • Name: Richards Bay IDZ
    • SEZ status: Approved
    • Focus: Export-oriented manufacturing, storage and manufacture of minerals to boost beneficiation, techno-parks
  • Province: KwaZulu-Natal
    • Name: Dube TradePort
    • SEZ status: Approved
    • Focus: Industry, cargo-handling and logistics, agro-processing, telecommunications
  • Province: Eastern Cape
    • Name: East London IDZ
    • SEZ status: Approved
    • Focus: Automotive, agro-processing, aquaculture
  • Province: Eastern Cape
    • Name: Coega SEZ
    • SEZ status: Approved
    • Focus: Automotive, agro-processing, aquaculture, energy, metals, logistics and business process services (BPO)
  • Province: Western Cape
    • Name: Atlantis SEZ
    • SEZ status: Approved
    • Focus: Green Tech, including automotive components and components for wind turbines, solar panels and green building materials
  • Province: Western Cape
    • Name: Saldanha Bay IDZ
    • SEZ status: Approved
    • Focus: Oil, gas and marine repair, engineering and logistics services complex, fabrication
  • Province: Northern Cape
    • Name: Namakwa SEZ
    • SEZ status: Pending
    • Focus: Downstream activities from proposed zinc smelter, mineral beneficiation, construction, green energy, petrochemicals, transport
  • Province: Northern Cape
    • Name: Upington IDZ
    • SEZ status: Pending
    • Focus: Renewable energy, aviation, automotive, agro-processing

Windaba Conference and Exhibition 2023

Africa’s premier wind energy conference and exhibition

The annual Windaba Conference and Exhibition is the flagship event of South African Wind Energy Association (SAWEA), supported by the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC).

The 12th Annual Windaba Conference and Exhibition will offer several opportunities to engage with customers, stakeholders, and peers to ensure a strengthened African wind industry. Windaba is an interactive platform that enables public and private sector to share expertise, unpack challenges, identify gaps in the market and to drive a united transformation agenda of the wind energy sector in Africa.

Stepping away from the traditional focus on turbines and megawatts, Windaba will take a holistic view of wind – showcasing the impact, innovations and influence that wind energy is having in Africa and beyond.


Windaba Conference and Exhibition is hosted by the South African Wind Energy Association (SAWEA). SAWEA was registered as a Non Profit Organisation in 2004 with the Department of Social Development (Registration Number 034-566-NPO).

SACA all set for “Post Life… What Remains” conference in partnership with SALGA, AVBOB and Calgro Memorial Parks

The South African Cemeteries Association (SACA) is all systems go for its highly anticipated biennial conference, set to take place from September 13th to 15th, 2023.

This remarkable event is organised in collaboration with esteemed partners SALGA (South African Local Government Association), AVBOB, and Calgro Memorial Parks.

Under the captivating theme “Post Life… What Remains”, the conference promises to be a hub of profound discussions, knowledge sharing, and invaluable collaborations. With an expected attendance of 100 to 130 participants, including distinguished academic researchers, respected professionals, and government and industry representatives, this conference will delve into the intricate dimensions of the afterlife and its profound influence on both the environment and society.

The purpose of this conference is to unravel the far-reaching impact our departed loved ones have on both the environment and society. Furthermore, we seek to delve into the philosophical dimensions of post-life and existence, contemplating profound questions and examining their implications. By assembling a diverse audience of academic researchers, professionals, and government and industry representatives, our conference aims to foster stimulating discussions, facilitate knowledge sharing, and promote collaborations that contribute to the betterment of our communities.

Some of the Speaker’s expected to deliver research, findings and innovate ideas are:
  • Kgosi Thabo Milton Seatlholo: Chairperson of the National House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders, passionate advocate for rural community development.
  • Nada Laurie: Master’s in Sociology, specializes in researching place attachment and factors influencing decisions related to body disposal options after death.
  • Wayne Van As: Area Manager for the Southern African region at FamilySearch International.
  • Vusi Skosana: Director in the unit of Integrated Environmental Authorisations at the Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment.
  • Prof. Timothy A Fasheun: Esteemed environmental scientist and consultant.
  • Dr. Julie Rugg: Reader in Social Policy at the University of York, UK, specializing in housing policy analysis and the history of disposing the dead.

See Speaker Profiles here

Delegates can look forward to:
  • An array of presentations: Participants will have the opportunity to showcase their research findings, innovative ideas, and practical experiences related to the afterlife, contributing to a deeper understanding of this fascinating subject.
  • Panel Discussions: Engage in constructive dialogues and exchange diverse perspectives with a panel of experts and fellow attendees. Explore the philosophical aspects surrounding post-life and existence, fostering enlightening conversations.
  • Networking Opportunities: Connect with like-minded professionals during dedicated networking breaks and social events. Forge new alliances, share knowledge, and learn best practices from individuals passionate about improving our communities.

We invite you to be a part of this extraordinary event. Register now to secure your place at “Post Life… What Remains” and contribute to the collective understanding of post-life’s impact and philosophy.

For more information and to register, Email: admin@sa-cca.org.za, Website: https://sa-cca.org.za/. We eagerly await your participation in this intellectually invigorating conference.

South African Cemeteries Association Conference 2023

The South African Cemeteries Association (SACA) is delighted to announce its upcoming biennial conference, in collaboration with SALGA (South African Local Government Association), AVBOB, and Memorial Parks by Calgro. This highly anticipated event will take place from the 13th to the 15th of September 2023 in the captivating city of Cape Town under the theme “Post Life… What Remains”.

Conference Details

With an expected attendance of 100 to 130 participants, including distinguished academic researchers, esteemed professionals, and government and industry representatives, this conference promises to be a hub of stimulating discussions, knowledge sharing, and fruitful collaborations. Together, we will delve into the intricate dimensions of the afterlife and its profound influence on the environment and society.

Key Themes:
  • Keynote Address: Prepare to be inspired as our distinguished keynote speaker delivers unique insights into the conference theme, shedding light on the enigmatic realm of post-life.
  • Presentations: Participants will have the opportunity to showcase their research findings, innovative ideas, and practical experiences related to the afterlife. Share your expertise and contribute to a deeper understanding of this fascinating subject.
  • Panel Discussions: Engage in constructive dialogues and exchange diverse perspectives with our panel of experts and fellow attendees. Together, we will explore the philosophical aspects surrounding post-life and existence, fostering enlightening conversations.
  • Networking Opportunities: Connect with like-minded professionals during dedicated networking breaks and social events. Forge new alliances, share knowledge, and learn best practices from individuals who are passionate about improving our communities.

See Speaker Profiles here

Purpose and Objectives:

The purpose of this conference is to unravel the far-reaching impact our departed loved ones have on both the environment and society. Furthermore, we seek to delve into the philosophical dimensions of post-life and existence, contemplating profound questions and examining their implications.

By assembling a diverse audience of academic researchers, professionals, and government and industry representatives, our conference aims to foster stimulating discussions, facilitate knowledge sharing, and promote collaborations that contribute to the betterment of our communities.

We invite you to be a part of this extraordinary event. Register now to secure your place at “Post Life… What Remains” and contribute to the collective understanding of post-life’s impact and philosophy.

For more information and to register, Email: admin@sa-cca.org.za, Website: https://sa-cca.org.za/. We eagerly await your participation in this intellectually invigorating conference.

Turning the wheel towards leadership succession in Government and SOE’s

Minister Namafrench Mbombo – Western Cape Provincial Ministery of Health & Wellness at the 2022 event.

Over the two days the conference seeks to address pertinent topics geared towards women occupying more leadership roles within government and state-owned enterprises. On why this platform is important, Sudhira Sewsunker, Co-owner, Pinpoint Stewards, says: “There are many women across all spheres of government and SOEs doing a stellar job. The problem is that there seems to be a gap in grooming the next generation of women leaders. At the heart of this conference we aim to bring women together from junior to senior level to engage and open channels for communication thereby turning the wheel towards leadership succession.”

Women who will take the stage to develop, unite and empower others include: Bridget Masango, Shadow Minister, Dept Of Social Development RSA; Honorable Bernice Swarts, Deputy Minister, Dept Of Public Works & Infrastructure RSA; Lt Gen Khosi Senthumule, Divisional Commissioner Detective and Forensic Services (DDG) SAPS; Helen Coetzee, Deputy Executive Mayor Overberg District Municipality Provincial SWC Chair Matshidiso Jansen-Mwase, Chief Director: Corporate Services North West Provincial Treasury; Wendy Kaizer-Philander, Chief Whip, Western Cape Provincial Parliament; Christelle Faul Marais, Group Chief Risk Officer & Exco Member, SA Forestry Company Soc Ltd (SAFCOL); Zuziwe Mjongile-Dumile, Technical Manager, Transnet Port Terminal – Cape Town; and UN recognized and GBV activist, Grizelda Grootboom.

Key talking points to be addressed:
  • Becoming an effective government leader
  • Making relationship-building your key competency
  • What is mentorship and what it’s not?
  • Uplifting more women into top leadership roles
  • Finding your feet in chaos and disruption
  • Succeeding in male-dominated environments
  • Acknowledging the massive contribution of women in all sectors
  • Taking charge of your career development – from colleague to leader
  • Economic transformation and inclusion for women
  • Understanding sexual exploitation to protect women

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 register, email info@pinpointstewards.co.za