The state-of-the-art multi-purpose community centre in Thekwane, Rustenburg.
Glencore Ferroalloys’ Wonderkop Smelter, in partnership with Merafe Resources, recently announced the successful completion of the construction of a state-of-the-art multi-purpose community centre in Thekwane, Rustenburg. The facility will house various governmental facilities, including SASSA (South African Social Security Agency), Home Affairs, and SAPS (South African Police Service) amongst others.
Aimed at providing essential services to community members, the multi-purpose community centre is a significant component of Ferroalloys’ mining and smelting Social and Labour Plan (SLP) projects.
With an emphasis on inclusivity and engagement, Wonderkop Smelter actively sought the input and cooperation of local community leadership, the Royal Bafokeng Administration (RBA) and the Rustenburg Local Municipality to roll out the project. Throughout the project’s development, various engagement strategies were employed to incorporate the needs and preferences of the community. This collaborative approach culminated in the approval of a concept design that perfectly aligns with the accommodation requirements of the area.
The multi-purpose community centre is a versatile and fully equipped facility designed to cater to diverse critical needs, and by bringing these essential services closer to the communities, it will result in easier access to critical resources and support.
Representatives of Glencore, Merafe Resources, Royal Bafokeng Administration (RBA) and the Executive Mayor of Thekwane.
The community centre will also serve as a hub for a wide array of events, promoting recreational and social activities that foster community bonding. The centre boasts a multi-purpose sports court to host sports events such as netball, basketball, softball, and soccer. Additionally, the facility’s indoor hall, boardroom and courtyard provide ample space for gatherings, social services, and other community-related functions.
The total investment for the community centre amounts to R20-million, a substantial testament to the Glencore-Merafe Resources Pooling and Sharing Ventre’s dedication to uplifting the community and showcasing its unwavering commitment to fostering sustainable development.
Chief Executive Officer of Glencore Alloys, Japie Fullard.
“This infrastructure investment represents a commitment to progress. It symbolises our resolve to embrace change, adapting to the evolving needs of our society, and prepare our beneficiaries for a bright future. This infrastructure investment will create jobs, both directly and indirectly, giving a boost to the economy and injecting vitality into the fabric of the community. This will stimulate economic growth, attracting new emerging business enterprises, fostering innovation and creativity, especially at the dawn of the 4th Industrial revolution, a just energy transition, robotics and coding. It not only showcases our determination, but also our collective vision for a better tomorrow,” said Glencore Ferroalloys CEO, Japie Fullard.
To mark its successful completion, the smelter handed over the facility to the Royal Bafokeng Administration (RBA), which was attended by Kgosana Nthebe Ntsimane – Head Infrastructure and Development, Executive Mayor Cllr Sheila Mabale-Huma, Merafe Resources’ CEO Zanele Matlala, as well as the Glencore Ferroalloys management.
The RBA will take on the responsibility of maintaining and facilitating the facility’s operations, ensuring its sustainable use and impact on the local community.
Kgosana Nthebe Ntsimane – Head of Infrastructure and Development (RBA), in his address mentioned that this project is what they call a high impact project. “Projects such as these play a significant role in fostering growth in communities, high impact projects have a greater approach to addressing community needs simultaneously. To ensure the success of such projects, we require great collaboration from all stakeholders involved. Thank you once again to Glencore, and we look forward to a greater strategic relationship together,” he said.
The contractor hired for the project was Sue Phalane Trading and Projects (PTY), a 100% youth female-owned company under the leadership of Portia Phalane. The appointment of the business represents the empowerment of women in the construction industry. This tender recognises the talent and capabilities of female entrepreneurs and demonstrates Glencore’s commitment to uplifting the surrounding community.
Glencore remains steadfast in its commitment to the communities it serves, and this centre stands as a shining example of its dedication to making a meaningful difference in the progress of its communities.
The Covid-19 pandemic has been an unprecedented event that affected the lives of people all over the world. We have seen the impact it has had on businesses, particularly small to medium enterprises, and how it has forced them to make difficult decisions such as retrenchment. This has placed many people in a dire financial situation, often leading them to consider dipping into their retirement funds, the largest source of savings for most South Africans, to make ends meet.
The National Treasury took note of this and in 2021 proposed to make changes to the retirement fund system and introduce the “two-pot system”, which might be effective from 1 March 2024. As a result, people will be able to access their accumulated savings without having to resign from their current employers and incur punitive taxes, which can delay their retirement savings goals. It will also give people an opportunity to invest 1/3 of their pension and provident funds in a savings portion, including retirement annuities, that would have ordinarily been accessible at age 55.
Turning a retirement savings crisis into an opportunity to bolster a savings culture
It is evident that many South Africans are not saving adequately for retirement, given that average replacement ratios are between 25-30%. This is because people pause from saving for retirement throughout their working lives, some are not part of employer-sponsored retirement schemes which act as a “forced saving mechanism” and most people in South Africa don’t have the means to make saving for retirement a priority.
For those who want to bolster their retirement savings, the change in legislation to the two-pot system should be used as a golden opportunity to do so. Here are three starting points to consider:
1. Invest in diversified portfolios that take where you are in life into account
The general rule is, the younger you are when you start to invest, the more risk you should take. If you are getting closer to retirement, however, you should reduce your risk, as you may not have the requisite time to endure major market downturns.
Constructing a portfolio under the two-pot system will still require that you select one that is in line with Regulation 28. Pension and Provident funds will need to have default options for members who cannot choose their own investment portfolios. In the case where you want to kickstart your retirement savings through a retirement annuity, it might be worthwhile to consider multi-asset funds. At PPS Investments, we offer an extensive range of multi-manager and single-managed partnership funds which follow an investment process that offers diversification among underlying managers and has led to competitive performance over the long term, even as market volatility has increased recently.
2. Optimize your savings in the short term by making sound financial decisions, now
Perhaps there might be some of you reading this article, who are changing jobs and may fear that once the two-pot system kicks in, a large portion of your retirement savings will be locked in the 2/3 pot, that vests only at retirement and feel it might be better to withdraw it now before the new legislation comes to effect?
While people have different financial circumstances, it would be worthwhile to transfer the funds, where possible, into a preservation fund, as taxes can be quite high if you choose to withdraw any amount above R27 500. Once the two-pot system is effective, you will be able to make withdrawals from the savings pot, on a rolling basis every 12 months, which will be taxed at your marginal tax rate.
Preserving your investment gives your accumulated savings an opportunity to grow. I know this from my personal experience when I changed jobs recently and preserved my pension fund. This happened in January 2023 and the transfer was finalized the following month, which meant being out of the market for a month. February 2023 was a ‘good’ month in the market as the FTSE/JSE ALSI yielded 8.89% in January 2023. I could have also earned upwards of 5% had I been invested in any of the PPS Multi-Asset High Equity Funds. The diagram below returns to illustrate what I missed out on in January.
Source: Morningstar, 31 March 2023
While this is a recommended approach, it does not constitute financial advice. Speak to a professional financial adviser who can provide you with a solution that is fit for your purpose.
3. Maximize your time in the market and be mindful of the fees you pay
The key advantage of the two-pot system is that people will have access to making provisions for short-term financial emergencies while staying the course in saving for retirement. The proposed amendments stipulate that any accumulated savings until March 2024 will stay in the vested pot and will be accessible based on the rules of the fund that still apply now.
It makes sense to optimize the growth of that investment by taking advantage of the tax deductions you get when saving through a retirement fund. The government provides a tax-deductible saving of up to 27.5% of your income, which is capped at R350 000 as a rand value before the end of each tax year.
At PPS Investments we provide family members with an opportunity to invest with us, pooling the value of investments to reduce the administration fees they would pay, giving your investments an opportunity to accumulate more growth. The most important thing to do is to stay the course and do time in the market, as investments need a long-term orientation to realise their potential to grow.
About PPS Investments
PPS Investments Group is a subsidiary of Professional Provident Society Insurance Company Limited, a Licensed Insurer, and Financial Services Provider. PPS Investments Group consists of the following authorised Financial Services Providers: PPS Investments (Pty) Ltd(“PPSI”), PPS Multi-Managers (Pty) Ltd(“PPSMM”), and PPS Investment Administrators (Pty) Ltd(“PPSIA”); and includes the following approved Management Company under the Collective Investment Schemes Control Act: PPS Management Company (RF) (Pty) Ltd (“PPS Manco”). Financial services may be provided by representative(s) rendering financial services under supervision. www.pps.co.za/invest
Disclaimer
The information, opinions and any communication from PPS Investments Group, whether written, oral or implied are expressed in good faith and not intended as investment advice, neither does it constitute an offer or solicitation in any manner. Furthermore, all information provided is of a general nature with no regard to the specific investment objectives, financial situation or particular needs of any person. It is recommended that investors first obtain appropriate legal, tax, investment or other professional advice prior to acting upon such information.
The attendance of trade and business delegations led by the BRICS countries at the 5th Eastern Cape Export Symposium on August 17 and 18 at the East London ICC, will result in path-breaking global attention for the region.
The initiative, which includes a two-day conference, exhibition and match-making meetings, will be attended by global trade role-players, including the Secretary General of The African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), His Excellency Wamkele Mene.
Economic representatives from South Africa’s pan-African trading partners, the EU, UK and USA will also be present, in addition to an Inward Buying Delegation, comprising delegates from Brazil, Russia, India and China.
The two-day conference includes global policy-makers and local commentators addressing developments and opportunities in South Africa’s key trade agreements including BRICS, AGOA, AfCFTA and EU trade. Invited international speakers include, HE Mene, Prof Melaku Desta, Coordinator Africa Trade Policy Centre at UN Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) and Roberto Cecutti, Head of Trade and Economics for EU Delegation in South Africa, among others.
National invited speakers include CEO of the E-commerce Forum South Africa, Alistair Tempest; CEO & Founder Landator (Pty)Ltd, Byron Moorgas; Manager, Government Affairs & Public Policy for Google Sipho Mtombeni; Head of Policy at Centre for Risk Analysis, Chris Hattingh; Corban Thomson, Lead Project Manager, International Trade Institute of Southern Africa; Shamiso Hlatshwayo, Acting GM Research, Brand South Africa, and Francois Fouche, economist and research fellow at The Centre for African Management & Markets at the Gordon Institute of Business Science.
The program also focusses on export resources available to grow local business and opportunities in specific sectors of the economy including Renewable Energy and trade in environmental services, including sustainable manufacturing and the circular economy.
The global drive towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions, the increased availability of green finance, and the associated ambitions of firms and governments to improve their environmental performance are boosting the demand for quality environmental goods and services. It is also creating new markets for recycled materials and products relating to the management of waste and the circular economy.
The session, facilitated by South African Electrotechnical Export Council, CEO Chiboni Evans, includes Gaylor Montmasson-Clair Senior Economist & SAREM Facilitator, Trade & Industrial Policy Strategies (TIPS), Gareth Burley Business Development Executive, Microcare and Deshan Naidoo Managing Director of AQORA Manufacturing and Mining.
Around 50% of automotive exports from South Africa are produced in the Eastern Cape. An automotive panel discussion will therefore address the promotion of Automotive Exports from the region and the role of both national and provincial government in dealing with global challenges, and optimising opportunities. Speakers include the AIDC EC’s Hoosain Mahomed, Maritza Redinger of DSV, Sphiwe Mthembu, TNPA Port Manager of East London Port and Devlyn Naidoo, Executive: SARS AGO and South African Association of Freight Forwarders.
BioFibres will also have a focussed break-away given the potential of the sector to boost the Eastern Cape economy. Panellists, including Brian Van Rooyen, Director at Labat Africa and Andy Radford Director of The Composites Group will discuss the sector and in particular the emerging Eastern Cape Biofibre facility in the Coega Special Economic Zone (SEZ) which targets undersupplied global market of biofibres and composites.
Capability for fibre processing, and non-woven composites, including hemp and flax to produce bio-composites, boosts government’s strategic intent to create a future cannabis (hemp) industry, in line with the national draft master plan to commercialise South Africa’s cannabis industry, which includes both dagga and hemp. The initiative will create 25 000 jobs and add 1% to the provincial gross domestic product of the Eastern Cape over the next five years. This facility will allow emerging manufacturers that intend to produce for export to locate on the SEZ and enjoy the SEZ benefits.
Agricultural exports will be deliberated by a wide panel of invited experts including Siphokazi Ndudane HOD: Eastern Cape Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform, Brent McNamara CEO, Agri Eastern Cape; Alexander Toto , Team Leader EU-SADC EPA Support Programme; Marco Coetzee GM, Mohair South Africa and Justin Chadwick CEO : Citrus Growers Association, among others.
ECDC CEO: Ayanda Wakaba said the symposium was aimed at developing new markets and partnerships for trade, citing “untapped potential for exports from the Eastern Cape”. On the strong representation from BRICS, he notes that over 17% of South Africa’s exports are to BRICS while 9% of its total imports are from BRICS.
“As Chair of BRICS in 2023, South Africa will pursue the potential for growing trade and investment, as well as intra-African trade and investment, while advancing the benefits of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), Wakaba said.
“The AfCFTA creates a predictable environment for investments by South Africa’s BRICS partners, particularly in infrastructure development. South Africa will be looking at building a partnership between BRICS and Africa to unlock mutually beneficial opportunities for increased trade, investment and infrastructure development. BRICS institutions have a significant role to play here as major investment in infrastructure is required to operationalise the AfCFTA and to unlock the benefits of the Continental market,” he said.
“Over the past decade there has been phenomenal acceleration of commercial and strategic engagements between BRICS and Africa. Indeed, BRICS has fostered Africa’s economic emergence and highlighted the continent’s global relevance,’’ Wakaba notes.
On the Eastern Cape province specifically, the ECDC notes it is the country’s biggest lemon producer, exports more than half of light vehicles produced in South Africa, has the largest percentage of the country’s livestock, produces more than 15-million kilograms of wool a year and supplies more than half of the world’s mohair.
“The attendance of local, national and international trade representatives provides a unique opportunity for the region to build relationships and showcase our export capability. It also importantly provides our export role-players with first-hand analysis and updates on the resources, incentives and opportunities for trade with new and existing trade partners,’’ Wakaba said.
“Specific focus is being placed on understanding the physical opportunities to capitalise on up-to-date supply chain shifts and trade agreement developments including AfCFTA, AGOA, BRICS and trade with the EU and UK, ’’ said Wakaba. “As a result, the symposium program features a mix of experts and trade representatives addressing this.’’
Under the theme: “Global Trade Developments: Opportunity knocks!” the Eastern Cape Export Symposium has the overarching objective to promote trade and supply networks (via access to markets (buyers), resources and current research).
The 5th edition of the annual event is hosted by the Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC) and partners Buffalo City Metro and Nelson Mandela Bay Metro will take place at the East London International Convention Centre on 17-18 August 2023.
The event – which includes an exhibition, conference, workshops, site tours, match-making and networking functions – will attract exporters and the wider export fraternity (cross sectoral) as well as policy-makers, including international visitors – with a focus on Africa.
Former Trade forward Southern Africa Director Rob Moodie, who was one of 26 presenters on the conference program in 2022 lauded the Eastern Cape Province and its business community: “It is marvellous to see the level of cooperation and working together that was demonstrated in this initiative. I haven’t seen this level of collaboration in any other province in South Africa,’’ he said.
Kenya-based Sub-Saharan Chamber of Trade CEO Claire Dawai described the conference sessions as “mind-blowing”. “It is a great experience to have come to South Africa for the first time for this event. I am passionate about the agenda and forging mutual and long-lasting relationships that have been initiated here.’’
EC MEC DEDEAT Hon. Mlungisi Mvoko said opening trade in new markets was key with AFCFTA being a potential “game changer for Africa’s economic development”. “To this end we need to deepen partnerships with trade partners to realise the full potential.’’
Registration to attend, free, as a conference and workshop delegate or exhibition visitor is open online at: www.ecexportsymposium.co.za
Wild Coast Sun, Port Edward, Eastern Cape. Credit: Wild Coast Sun
Everything about energy is trending in South Africa at the moment. The Eastern Cape has attracted a large percentage of the new investments made into wind farms in the years since the nation decided to encourage private investment in the power sector, but it is battery storage, green hydrogen and ammonia that are stirring interest – and attracting investment rands – most recently.
In East London, Bushveld Minerals has built a factory to make vanadium battery electrolyte. At the Coega Special Economic Zone (Coega SEZ) an amount of $4.6-billion has been pledged by a consortium led by Hive Energy to produce green ammonia and another group of companies, including ENERTRAG South Africa, is looking into the potential of a site near Humansdorp to produce green hydrogen. The German parent of ENERTRAG has a lot of experience in hybrid wind to hydrogen power plants and is working with Sasol on aviation fuel alternatives.
Green ammonia and green hydrogen are both produced by electrolysis and the green element is supplied by that process being powered by clean or renewable energy. The difference is that green ammonia is a liquid while green hydrogen is a gas.
Various kinds of propulsion are obviously very important to the province’s big original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) such as Volkswagen South Africa, Mercedes-Benz South Africa, Ford Motor Company and Isuzu. These OEMs are keen to get certainly on what South Africa’s policy on electric vehicles is going to be. All of them have recently made large capital investments in new lines or expanded capacity.
Ford has started discussions about the creation of a new, high-speed rail link between Tshwane (where it makes Ford Rangers) and Gqeberha, the site of its engine plant. Such a link would enable it to send engines north and send completed SUVs south to one or both of the two ports that serve the city of Gqeberha.
Within the Coega SEZ, just north of the city, the Port of Ngqura, pictured, was primarily designed as a container terminal but additional capabilities are being added. The Coega Development Corporation (CDC) has been tasked with finding a developer for a new Liquid Bulk Terminal and for a new manganese terminal. Transnet has agreed that the tank farm and manganese storage facility at the Port of Gqeberha is to be moved to the Port of Ngqura. This will open up prime waterfront space to tourism and hospitality businesses.
The Newlyn Group has designed and submitted a proposal for a back-of-port manganese terminal for Ngqura which would result in almost no emissions and be highly efficient. Unloading of trains and the movement of manganese would all take place in a covered environment.
Infrastructure
The provincial government has identified six “mega” infrastructure projects on which to focus: N2 Wild Coast Highway, Mzimvubu Water Project, Eastern Cape Transnet initiatives, N2 Nodal Development, undersea cables and the Wild Coast SEZ.
With three ports and two large airports, the Eastern Cape is well suited to logistics activity. The Cookhouse Blaney rail branch line is now working and Transnet Freight Rail has pledged to open the line from Kroonstad to the Port of East London. A Slipway Project at Gqeberha is to be completed in the course of 2023 and the grain elevator at the Port of East London is operational again.
Having these rail connections operational and linked to the Agriport Terminal at the East London port reduces the costs of logistics and fits into a major national and provincial goal of moving goods from road to rail.
By the end of 2023, the 2Africa sea cable will be servicing the Eastern Cape’s communications networks. This will not only assist private enterprise but support the provincial government’s efforts to roll out broadband. So far, e-health and e-education platforms exist.
Both Vodacom and MTN are continuing to invest in telecommunications infrastructure. A project to connect 23 rural villages was completed by Vodacom at a cost of R34-million; a further R71-million will be spent on connecting another 86 villages. MTN allocated R600-million to protect its network and has rolled out an extensive programme of battery and generator support.
A Samsung Innovation Campus has been initiated at Walter Sisulu University. To be run by the Centre for Entrepreneurship Rapid Incubators (CFERI), the campus programme aims to transfer IT skills and help graduates start their own businesses. There will be courses on coding, programming, artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things.
The provincial government has increased funding available from its fund for young entrepreneurs, Isiqalo Youth Fund. As of December 2022, the province has spent R203-million supporting 3 900 youth-owned enterprises.
Tourism
Tourism is one of the sectors that was hit hardest by Covid-19. Many events were cancelled, foreign visitors were absent from attractions such as the Addo Elephant National Park and the Baviaanskloof World Heritage Site and guest houses and hotels struggled to make ends meet.
Although times were tough for the “Adventure Province”, there was some good news out of a sector that still retains enormous potential for growth and has been identified by the Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC) as a priority sector.
The ECDC invested R2-million in attracting the TV series Survivor South Africa: Immunity Island and that investment has been shown to pay off both in monetary terms and in showcasing the spectacular Wild Coast to TV audiences. The immediate economic impact of the filming was estimated at R10-million.
The film industry is a huge potential growth area for the Eastern Cape. The ECDC invested to support the filming of the popular TV series Survivor: Immunity Island, with the spectacular scenery of the Wild Coast as a backdrop.
The north-eastern segment of the province is the site of a possible future national park, which would bring to five the number of national parks in the province, joining the Addo Elephant, the Camdeboo, Garden Route and Mountain Zebra National Parks. These parks not only look after animals but also protect quite distinct types of vegetation.
If the proposed Grassveld National Park is established high in the mountains above the village of Rhodes and near to the border with Lesotho, it would be South Africa’s 20th. The conservation goal behind the park is to preserve grasslands through agreements with landowners and farmers who would continue to farm the land responsibly. The land of the Batlokoa community is near the famous Naude’s Neck Pass.
As a source of clean water, the area is a hugely important resource and worth preserving for that reason too. The water that falls away from the highest point of this proposed park is described by Andrew Weiss of the WWF as “heading towards the Mzimvubu River and the Indian Ocean” while another small stream at the top of the mountain is destined to join the Orange River in the west. Weiss also described rock paintings of eland and reedbuck “with the unusual addition of dogs and a fat-tailed sheep”. The Grassveld National Park project of the South African National Botanical Institute (SANBI) has recorded 1 131 species of plant life on the iNaturalist app.
In addition to national parks, the Eastern Cape has 15 provincial nature reserves and a multitude of luxury private game reserves.
Credit: Eastern Cape Parks & Tourism Agency
The events sector was just about to restart before the Omicron variant put a stop to all travel. This is something the Eastern Cape does well, with the National Arts Festival and a variety of sporting events such as Iron Man being hosted by the province. In the week before the Omicron variant shocked some countries into banning travel, St Francis Links successfully hosted the South African PGA Championship and showed how well multiple companies, guest houses and sponsors can work together to create something of international quality. The tournament also brought employment opportunities to the region.
This format was repeated in 2022 with a much bigger live audience and the event will again be televised in late 2023. In addition, St Francis jointly hosted with the DP World Tour (and thus attracted a global TV audience) the SDC Championship in March 2023.
Gqeberha also got in on the act of hosting a new tournament, this time the Nelson Mandela Bay Championship. The significance of this tournament in viewership terms was that it was an official DP World Challenge Tour event, where golfers can qualify for the main tour if they do well.
Other than tourism and film, the following sectors have been identified by the ECDC as priority sectors: agriculture and agro-processing, sustainable energy, the Oceans Economy, automotive and light manufacturing. Each of these categories is the subject of an updated economic overview in this journal (Eastern Cape Business 2023/24).
The ECDC’s mandate is to plan, finance, coordinate, market, promote and implement the development of the Eastern Cape in industry, commerce, agriculture, transport and finance, which it does through three core units.
Diversification is an important part of provincial plans. An example of this is the Global Business Services sector, previously BPO. GBS has received a boost with the establishment of an ICT Academy in Mthatha.
Enrolment in 2022 increased to 100. The centre is a partnership between the provincial government and Liquid Intelligent Technologies South Africa.
In 2021, more than 7 520 young people benefitted from the R363-million which various Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) put into training programmes in the following sectors in the province: manufacturing, engineering and related services, public sector, mining, banking, chemical, local government, wholesale and retail, education, training and development and insurance.
As exporters, the Eastern Cape’s OEMs are among South Africa’s highest achievers. Volkswagen Isuzu, Ford and Mercedes-Benz routinely ship tens of thousands of vehicles and engines to every part of the globe. Quite often, the East London or Gqeberha factory will be mandated to fulfil a particular order for a left-handed model, for example, in a specific country.
Isuzu recently launched the first locally-engineered and produced seventh-generation D-MAX bakkie, using for the first time a new body shop at the Struandale manufacturing plant and a new chassis assembly line at the company’s Kempston Road facility.
The initial R10-billion that Mercedes-Benz invested in making its East London factory ready for the production of the latest C-Class was supplemented in 2021, when the first vehicles rolled off the floor, by news that an additional R3-billion was to go into building three new assembly lines, a new body shop and more advanced robots.
Mercedes-Benz vehicles made in East London regularly win US awards for quality. Credit: Mercedes-Benz South Africa
Ford Motor Company’s Struandale engine plant in Gqeberha will receive R600-million to prepare the plant to make the 3.0L V6 turbodiesel engine for the company’s Ford Ranger, which is put together in Tshwane. This amount, which includes upgrades to two existing engine lines, is over and above the company’s national commitment of R15.8-billion to be spent on the Silverton assembly plant and various factories that supply the company.
By the start of 2018, Volkswagen South Africa had spent more than R6.1-billion on its plant in Kariega, an investment that enabled the manufacture of more than 400 000 sixth-generation Polos by 2021. More than 80% of these vehicles were exported.
Unveiling of the Sesiyabonga workshop. L – R: Mr Mazibuko (SGB Chairperson), Councillor Hlatshwayo (Ward 17), Councillor Zulu (Municipal Speaker Newcastle Municipality), Mr Motloung (Sesiyabonga Technical High School), Rob Richardson (Air Products MD), Councillor Mthembu (Deputy Mayor Amajuba District Municipality), Mr Nzama (Department of Education) and Sizwe Nkonde (Air Products).
Focusing on the youth and education with their Corporate Social Investment (CSI) projects, industrial gas company Air Products aims to make a difference at the local schools in the communities in which they operate. Most recently, a Civil Technology, Engineering and Graphic Design Workshop has been completed at the Sesiyabonga Technical High School in Newcastle, KwaZulu-Natal. The building burnt down some years ago and considering the loss of an opportunity to teach valuable technical skills to learners, Air Products funded the project to rebuild the workshop.
The project is not the first of its kind at this school. In 2020 the Hospitality kitchen was renovated and electrical equipment was donated. This was followed by the renovation of the Science Laboratory and the donation of science kits for the learners in 2022.
The principal Mr Motloung, Speaker from the Newcastle Municipality, Councillor Zulu, and the Department of Education District Director, Mr Nzama, all shared the same sentiment of gratitude towards Air Products for the work that has been done at the school. They all highlighted the importance of financial assistance from businesses in the area.
Arthi Govender, Chairperson of Air Products’ CSI committee explains: “One of our major production facilities are based in Newcastle, and we have been assisting various schools and other organisations over the years. Due to the Sesiyabonga Technical High School being a technical school, there are synergies with Air Products’ business operations, and as a result, funds were allocated to the school for this workshop project specifically”.
Govender further explains that they are inundated with requests from schools for financial assistance as many parents are unable to pay school fees due to socio-economic factors, and said: “As a corporate business, we assist within our local communities. For all we know, some our employees’ children or family members may be learners or educators at the school and we want to make a difference. We believe that by providing the necessary equipment and infrastructure, we also provide a form of motivation and upliftment”.
During his address, Air Products MD, Rob Richardson, also mentioned that he is particularly excited about this school, as technical skills are extremely important in the engineering industry.
Mr Richardson concluded by saying: “We trust that our contributions at Sesiyabonga will encourage learners to make the most of this wonderful opportunity to learn technical skills as it will stand them in good stead in the future”.
Ribbon cutting ceremony with Mr Motloung (Sesiyabonga Technical High School) and Rob Richardson (Air Products).
Get ready for the exhilarating SA Innovation Summit 2023 (SAIS’23), returning for its 16th edition from September 26th to 29th in Cape Town, South Africa.
Unveiling an unconventional and dynamic “un-conferencing” experience, SAIS’23 will gather over 3000 innovators, entrepreneurs, investors, and thought leaders for exhibitions, pitch stages, and interactive activities that transcend traditional discussions, propelling Africa’s Innovation Frontier into new dimensions of progress and ingenuity.
How do you see your role in shaping Africa’s innovation landscape through the African Innovation Frontier? We will explore the positive impact of great innovations that can be multiplied, scaled, and contribute to the African Innovation Frontier.
Join us in shaping the future of innovation and securing your spot in this transformative event.
Johannesburg, South Africa – August 15, 2023 – With just under two months remaining until South Africa’s annual October Transport Month (OTM), a month full of celebration and assessing progress made in transport, the Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport in partnership with Smarter Mobility Africa (SMA) summit is excited to announce its unprecedented event programme set to take place in October.
This ground-breaking collaboration highlights the role that transport plays in achieving 2030 goals and the Gauteng Province’s dedication to advancing the ease of movement of people and goods.
The SMA summit, now in its fifth year, is scheduled to take place during October Transport Month and Africa Mobility Month from 1-4 October 2023. With a primary focus on mobility being a key enabler of the UN Sustainable Development Goals and wider 2030 visions and goals across the continent, the SMA summit drives forward the message that integrated smarter mobility is key for growing the economy and creating good jobs, increasing equality, protecting the environment, and improving public health.
“We are looking forward to this year’s October Transport Month under the theme of Growing Gauteng Together through Smart Mobility. This year marks five years of our partnership with Smarter Mobility Africa and we are excited with what has been planned for the people of Gauteng this year. OTM is a very important month for us as it gives us an opportunity to showcase the good work that the Provincial government is doing in facilitating mobility in our province,” MEC Kedibone Diale-Tlabela remarked.
The event will once again bring together industry experts from across the world, gather policymakers and cities from across Africa, and provide a platform for innovators to showcase their solutions and ideas to organisations searching for mobility solutions.
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Ben Pullen, Group Director of Mobility at Vuka Group, the organisers behind the Smarter Mobility Africa summit, explains that the summit, which will discuss and advance the latest trends and innovations in mobility, will benefit from this continuously developing partnership with the Gauteng Province, stating, “Since launching Smarter Mobility Africa Summit in 2019, the Gauteng Province has been the perfect home to explore the challenges and opportunities around mobility in Africa. As we head into the fifth year of working with the province, we’re thrilled to take this partnership to the next level by announcing its key Hosting Partner for 2023 – the Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport”.
Pullen goes on to say “Organising Africa’s integrated smarter mobility event each year is no small feat, and it takes a collective effort from our Hosting Partners and wider stakeholders to ensure that what we deliver is relevant to solve on the ground needs and is having a real impact on advancing transport in Africa. We’re incredibly grateful to have the support of our Hosting Partners to organise and deliver the fifth SMA summit in October”.
“We look forward to welcoming stakeholders from across our continent and the globe to our wonderful province. We believe Smarter Mobility Africa is yet another opportunity to collaborate with various stakeholders to build a better transport system that will grow the economy and create jobs. This is in line with our slogan Aga Le Rona (let us build together).
The summit will encompass a wide range of themes to integrate mobility including Micromobility, Public Transport, New Energy Vehicles & Battery Technology, Mobility as a Service, and Smarter Fleets.
In addition to the engaging conference programme, attendees can expect inspiring speakers, cutting-edge exhibits showcasing first-to-market products and services, specialty events tailored to industry-specific challenges, test drives and rides of the latest vehicles, education site visits and training workshops, and the Mobility Start-up Village, connecting participants with innovative mobility start-ups and SMEs from across Africa.
Pullen also highlights the powerful networking opportunities for those working in transport, logistics, energy, and sustainability. “As a delegate at the summit, you will have access to our concierge-led matchmaking service, designed to create meaningful connections with potential business partners, paving the way for collaborations and growth. Do not miss out on this invaluable chance to network and forge partnerships that can transform your business,” concludes Pullen.
Join us at the Smarter Mobility Africa Summit, taking place from 1st – 4th October at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Johannesburg, South Africa. For more information and event registration, please visit https://wearevuka.com/mobility/sma-summit/ – use our unique code GAN20MP for 20% discount.
Mpumalanga – Trade, Investment & Tourism Exhibition at the Maputo International Trade Fair (FACIM) 2023
The Mpumalanga Economic Growth Agency (MEGA), in collaboration with the Mpumalanga Department of Economic Development and Tourism (DEDT) and the Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA), will be hosting a Mpumalanga Trade, Investment and Tourism Exhibition at the 58th Maputo International Trade Fair (FACIM), taking place from August 28th to the 3rd of September 2023 in Maputo, Mozambique.
FACIM, having successfully run for 58 years, is renowned as Mozambique’s most significant multi-sector trade fair, attracting thousands of visitors annually. It presents an exceptional opportunity for Mpumalanga companies seeking to expand their reach into the Mozambican market.
Maputo International Trade Fair (FACIM) 2023
28 August – 3 September 2023 Maputo, Mozambique
MEGA would like to extend an invitation to all businesses based in Mpumalanga Province to showcase their products and services on the Mpumalanga Trade, Investment and Tourism Exhibition at FACIM 2023. This will take the form of an individual Digital Billboard developed for your company. Your unique Digital Billboard will be displayed on large LCD Screens erected on the Mpumalanga exhibition stand and will be looped to display your product or service hundreds of times to the thousands of Mozambican business persons and consumers attending FACIM 2023.
To qualify for participation, your business should meet the following criteria:
Be based in Mpumalanga Province.
Offer a product or service suitable for the Mozambican market.
Have digital marketing materials and product pictures available for your product or service.
There will be no charge for these businesses to feature their Digital Billboard at the Mpumalanga Trade, Investment and Tourism Exhibition during FACIM 2023. MEGA’s graphic designer will utilize the materials you provide to create your unique Digital Billboard. Additionally, businesses are welcome to send us their paper brochures and business cards for distribution at FACIM 2023, though printing costs for these will be at your own expense.
Apply for your Digital Billboard
To apply for your Digital Billboard at the Mpumalanga Trade, Investment and Tourism Exhibition at FACIM 2023, kindly complete the Application Form and email it, along with the requested digital files, to FACIM@mega.gov.za.
The application deadline is Monday, 21st August 2023.
For further information about the Mpumalanga Trade, Investment and Tourism Exhibition at FACIM 2023, please feel free to contact:
Don’t miss this opportunity to showcase your business on an international stage and forge valuable connections in the Mozambican market. We look forward to welcoming you to FACIM 2023!
(From left to right): DDG Sam Zungu, College of Cape Town Principal Dr MM Muswaba (FCIS), Hon. Minister Dr Blade Nzimande (MP) and College Council Chairperson Dr Alice King cutting the ribbon to officially launch the BPO Skills Centre.
The Minister for Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Honourable Minister BE Nzimande, officially opened and unveiled the College of Cape Town for TVET’s first-of-its-kind, state-of-the-art-twenty-first-century centre and historic Triple Modular Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) Skills Centre on Friday, 28 July 2023.
The Hybrid Triple Modular BPO Skills Centre is through the Honourable Minister, Dr BE Nzimande’s visionary leadership and commitment to the advancement of sustainable skills development, and the great contribution to the TVET Sector.
The visionary leadership has translated into various outcomes among them the “Decade of Artisans launched in 2014, the development of the two major strategies which are the Skills Strategy and Innovation Strategy to support the Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan (ERRP) of the government”. It is against this background that the College of Cape Town had the pleasure to officially open and unveil the BPO Skills Centre.
It is anticipated that the current project will produce a total of at least 4 000 call centre agents per year.
The skills centre will be operated in partnership with the Western Cape Provincial Government in support of the Premier’s growth for jobs plan and the Cape BPO. This partnership’s pillars aim at addressing underlying unemployment which stems from a projected 35.6% in 2023, upskilling the youth, and increasing the number of skilled and competent Contact Centre Agents. It is envisaged that this endeavour will lead to the transformation of the Western Cape and South Africa, as well as positively contribute to the notion of a knowledge-driven economy. We fervently believe that this initiative underscores our attempt to line up with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 2030 agenda.
Honourable Minister, Dr BE Nzimande together with the College Principal Dr MM Muswaba (FCIS) and Council Chairperson, Dr Alice King unveiled the plaque to officially mark the opening of the centre. The centre will ensure that the college is able to create a demand-driven curriculum, which will not only train people to only graduate but equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge needed to join the BPO Sector as valuable employees. The College’s BPO Skills Centre has a competitive advantage as Cape Town is the perfect hub for this type of business.
Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Innovation, Honourable Minister Blade Nzimande.
All young people trained and/or to be trained in the centre have already secured employment contracts with the Cape BPO affiliated operators and 80% of those who finish the programme will find permanent employment in the BPO sector. The College has an agreement with the BPO Skills Academy, also known as BSA, to place all the trained students into industry and other forms of employment. The College of Cape Town has also signed a contract with BPO Skills Academy, also known as BSA, to place all the students that have been trained into both industry and other forms of employment. The current state of the unemployed is a challenge that requires collaboration and partnerships between the Public and Private Sectors.
The College has aligned itself with the Minister’s vision of “Let every working place be a training place” and is invested in creating more training hubs across the various vocational and skills programmes offered.
“It is anticipated that the current project will produce a total of at least 4 000 call centre agents per year for a period of four (4) years up to a total of 16 000. This is significant training for job creation, particularly for the youth. Another milestone for the College of Cape Town is the bold decision they have taken for the college to embrace modern technologies”, said Minister Nzimande.
He furthermore underlined that the Centre touches on the fundamental reasons for the government’s decision to establish TVET colleges.
The Western Cape is known for its ability to eliminate irritation during business-client calls, and this is due to the quality of BPO Skills training in the province. The Department of Economics Development and Tourism encourages more institutions to replicate this model across the country because it has been proven to work in the Western Cape.
The College Council and Management express appreciation and gratitude to all stakeholders that have positively contributed to the sustainable development of the BPO Skills Centre and for honouring our invitation to attend the official opening and unveiling.
Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis, accompanied by Alderman James Vos and ward councillor Mercia Kleinsmith, recently visited Bellville on Thursday, 8 June 2023 to witness the positive progress of the better. bellville. together. city funded placemaking initiative.
Under the administration of the Greater Tygerberg Partnership (GTP), this initiative aims to harness the potential of community assets, infrastructure, and services to create safer and cleaner public spaces in and around Bellville, promoting well-being and investment opportunities for economic growth.
During the visit, Mayor Hill-Lewis expressed his delight at the significant advancements observed in Bellville. “I am pleased to see that the central business district and station area have undergone impressive improvements, including the installation of entrancing public art, numerous new waste bins, vibrant plants, and extensive infrastructure repairs, including lighting. The continued progress of this economic development initiative in Bellville serves as an inspiration for other communities, showcasing the power of collaborative efforts in transforming urban spaces into thriving, vibrant hubs,” he said.
Alderman Vos, acknowledging the success of the initiative, emphasises the value of the City’s partnership with the GTP. “The GTP’s region-based focus and programmes not only stimulate investment appeal but also manage the aspirations of local businesses. The better. bellville. together. initiative stands as a shining example of placemaking initiatives that have the potential to create lasting positive change. This collaboration has led to the creation of much-needed jobs for the community and a reduction in reusable waste ending up in landfills,” Vos added.
The purpose of the better. bellville. together. campaign is to improve and sustain the area’s beautification, cleaner production, eradicate illegal dumping and littering, signage, promoting recycling and educating the public on the best waste management practices.
Local businesses in Bellville have rallied behind the project, which began in February 2023, and are actively participating in various recycling initiatives to maintain a cleaner, more sustainable public area that preserves the natural environment. So far, the better. bellville. together. has seen the clean-up of more than 160kg of recyclable waste such as cardboard, paper and plastic. In addition, more than 330kg of compostable waste, such as food scraps, have been collected and 595 illegal stickers and graffiti have been removed and almost 45 public benches have been repaired and painted.
Warren Hewitt, CEO of the GTP said that under the City’s cooperation with the organisation, several project teams have been hard at work on the clean-up Bellville project.
“The purpose of the better. bellville. together. campaign is to improve and sustain the area’s beautification, cleaner production, eradicate illegal dumping and littering, signage, promoting recycling and educating the public on the best waste management practices,” Hewitt said.
The mayor and accompanying officials also visited the Bellville Public Transport Interchange (PTI) and the newly established gardens, which further enhanced the overall experience and aesthetics of the area.
“The various new gardens planted in Bellville protects growth and the recycling initiatives help maintain a cleaner Bellville centre while diverting waste from landfills and providing a source of income for destitute people that could, over time, break the cycle of poverty. We challenge all businesses and the community of Bellville to get involved,” he concludes.
Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis, accompanied by Alderman James Vos and ward councillor Mercia Kleinsmith, at the recent visit to Bellville and the better.bellville.together. initiative.
Easy ways for businesses to get involved:
We are looking for partners to join this campaign to make Bellville a better place to live and work.
If you or your organisations would like to support this initiative to clean-up Bellville – through extending donations or temporary use of equipment and resources – please contact ceo@gtp.org.za or call the GTP on +27 (0) 21 823 6713:
Allow some time for your employees to arrange a clean-up, or sponsor a community clean-up to show your business cares. Be sure to share your efforts on social media with the hashtag #betterbellvilletogether.
Show your support by cleaning your business visage, shop front and by keeping your entrance clean.
Connect with the better.bellville.together. team at GTP – to learn more about how you can become a partner and how to support the clean-up Bellville project.
Join the better. bellville. together. business organics waste collection service.
Report illegal dumping tip-offs to our 24-hour toll-free number on 0800 110077.
More information is being shared amongst the Bellville residents and businesses, by means of local media. Regular updates are posted on social media platforms of CoCT and the GTP with updates to include livestreams of cleaning-up Bellville and visuals on the progress of the better. bellville. together. initiative.
A cleaner Bellville benefits all that work, live and play in Bellville – #betterbellvilletogether.
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