Back L – R: Maropeng Sebola (CWI-Wire), Tami Didiza (ArcelorMittal South Africa), Robert Richardson (Air Products), Kobus Verster (ArcelorMittal South Africa), Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, Fikile Majola, Malusi Msomi (Nampak), Wayne Sussman (Cape Gate), Robin Teasdale (Kingsley Beverages), Michael West (Cape Gate) Front L – R: Thulani Skosana (Office of the Deputy Minister), Austin Samakande (Greif), Palesa Matsose (Greif), Arthi Govender (Air Products) and Thabo Khasapane (Cape Gate).
The Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, Fikile Majola, attended a meeting with the Vaal Business Forum in Vanderbijlpark on Tuesday 20 June 2023 to address the challenges business are faced with in the Emfuleni Local Municipality. The aim of the meeting was to address the burning issues which make it difficult for businesses in the area to operate to their full potential. The Vaal Business Forum (VBF) was established in 2022 and is a mouthpiece for businesses in the area.
Members of the VBF include ArcelorMittal South Africa, Air Products, Cape Gate, Greif, Kingsley Beverages, Nampak, CWI-Wire, Collect-a-Can and Ceramic Industries. The meeting was attended by the CEO of ArcelorMittal South Africa, Kobus Verster, MD of Air Products, Robert Richardson and representatives from the other businesses.
During the meeting, stakeholders who represent businesses in the area were able to highlight their concerns and suggest ways to resolve the burning issues. Energy and transportation, water and sanitation, crime and corruption were highlighted as the key areas of concern.
Deputy Minister Majola indicated that he will avail himself actively participate to assist businesses to overcome the challenges in the area and to re-establish the Vaal as the strong industrial hub that it used to be in the past. The main aim is to involve stakeholders from local as well as national government and businesses to allocate resources and implement measures to eradicate the obstacles and re-invent the area as an attractive option for investors.
The Friends of Elizabeth Park, in collaboration with the Greater Tygerberg Partnership (GTP), VRCID, Bellville Library, launched a fun Youth Day event attended by over hundred and fifty local community members, at the iconic green Elizabeth Park in Bellville on Saturday, 24 June 2023.
The aim of the event was to bring to life the many incredible amenities that enable the local community to fully utilise the park. The day commenced with a community clean-up, led by the better. bellville. together. waste project team in collaboration with the GTP, uniting the local people of Bellville in a collective effort to utilise the park and to protect its natural beauty.
After this, attendees were treated to an action-packed library orientation and tour, and the youth of all ages revelled in an array of exhilarating activities catered for them.
Children aged up to 15 years took part in storytelling, face painting, and engaging physical tasks that had them laughing and exploring the park’s wonders. The highlight of the day was an exciting series of arts and crafts, igniting creativity and fostering a love for the great outdoors. To refuel their energy, delectable lunch packs were provided for all the children, ensuring a delightful and satisfying day in the park experience.
“We wanted to uplift our youth and bring vibrancy and hope to the Elizabeth park space,” said Noorudeen Roman, project manager at GTP and chairman of Friends of Elizabeth Park. “We know that some people may not even be aware of Elizabeth Park’s existence, and as a result, choose to frequent Sea Point, the promenade, or Green Point Park. We want to change that perception and invite everyone to join us, and get the full gain from the park’s offerings, and to help us raise funds to create a more welcoming and secure environment for all.”
Become a Friend of Elizabeth Park
Elizabeth Park, having undergone significant upgrades prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, has unfortunately suffered from a lack of management. Recognising the need for local involvement, the GTP established the Friends of Elizabeth Park group to encourage community engagement and active participation in the park’s daily operations.
The Friends of Elizabeth Park is a collaborative effort amongst several local organisations, including the nearby hospital, private individuals, and the GTP.
At the youth day the Dog House Kennel (DHK) attended with a bully hook up of various dogs and their owners, kennels and their associations – that pledged to be visiting the park with their magnificent animals regularly; more activity does create safety in numbers.
With monthly meetings and permission from the city, they are dedicated to organising events and fostering a sense of community ownership within the hidden gem, which boasts a myriad of attractions that captivate visitors.
Meandering through the park is a breathtaking river, accompanied by a library, an outdoor gym, and an enchanting amphitheatre. Families can enjoy idyllic picnics, partake in invigorating exercise classes during the summer months, or even host large family gatherings at the amphitheatre. Enhanced security measures, including excellent lighting and surveillance cameras ensure a safe and secure environment for all park enthusiasts.
“We want people to take pride in this space, a place they can treasure and even choose to capture their precious wedding memories,” added Noorudeen. “To achieve this vision, we need to restore the park’s cleanliness through regular clean-ups and the hosting of engaging events. We particularly encourage students from nearby universities to embrace this opportunity and get involved.”
As a unique initiative, individuals also have the chance to purchase a plot of land within the park:
GTP Elizabeth Park What3Words Fundraising Initiative
Using the what3words methodology, 3×3-metre virtual plots at only R1000 each have been identified and allocated across Elizabeth Park to sell off as part of a fundraising initiative.
Once a plot has been sold and allocated, a commemorative plaque will be designed and manufactured as a token of thanks to the sponsor and placed on a fundraising wall near the Elizabeth Park region as thanks to the many partners, sponsors, and community contributors towards this incredible initiative.
Using the what3words methodology, 3×3-metre virtual plots at only R1000 each have been identified and allocated across Elizabeth Park to sell off as part of a fundraising initiative.
The Friends of Elizabeth Park also warmly welcome suggestions and extend an invitation to all enthusiastic volunteers eager to contribute their time and energy to this remarkable park and that want to use the paces on the park for meeting ups, picnics, markets, health classes and entertainment events.
For more information, get involved or to donate, simply email: info@gtp.org.za
Empowering leaders in Africa to drive a more Sustainable Future
Get ready to join the most impactful and forward-thinking minds across Africa, as we empower leaders to drive a more sustainable future at the ESG Africa Conference.
This highly-anticipated event provides an unparalleled platform for industry pioneers and experts to come together and tackle the common challenges associated with embedding ESG practices within organisations.
4 – 5 October 2023
Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg, South Africa
The conference’s core theme, “Sustainable Future Through Leadership,” underscores the essential role that leaders play in ensuring their organizations align with ESG principles and integrate them into their overall strategy. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to be part of the change-makers shaping Africa’s sustainable future!
8th Edition of Anti-Money Laundering, Financial Crime & Fraud Southern Africa Conference is back on the agenda for 2023
Despite the rigid AML regulations being enforced in all corners of the world, money laundering and terror financing continue to be a problem, with global FinCrime numbers soaring sky high.
The 8th instalment of the annual AML & Financial Crime Southern Africa Conference takes place against the background of the recent grey listing of both South Africa and Nigeria.
After Turkey, South Africa is the second G20 economy to have been added to the grey list, while they join 18 countries on the grey list and 2 on the black list.
This year’s two day conference will look at the effects of the grey listing and will dissect the technical compliance factors that were mentioned in the FAFT report that needs serous attention.
We will once again focus on all the important issues facing southern African countries when it comes to money laundering activities, including focusing on issues affecting the recent listing – insufficient due diligence, lack of training and staffing, facilitating AML/CTF investigations, improving risk based assessments, fraud, corruption and illicit money flows. And properly implementing new technologies.
This annual gathering is TCI’s flagship conference, and has received rave reviews from delegates, speakers and sponsors over the past few years. It is the biggest and most popular conference on AML in southern Africa.
Some of the topics to be addressed
Understanding the Implications of grey listing
Targeting the use of cash as a high risk for money laundering and terrorist financing, including across borders
Regulation of virtual assets in South Africa and the effect on virtual asset service providers
Role of PPP’s and information sharing
Creating an AML culture and the role of training
Improving the application of the risk-based approach by businesses and supervisors
Role of smaller Financial Institutions (FIs) and Designated Non-Financial Businesses in combatting financial crime and negotiating risk
Learning how to implement new technology to fight money laundering effectively
According to the World Bank there are over 12 million South Africans without a bank account. More importantly, South Africa has an unemployment rate of 32,9% (Q1 2023). These alarming statistics may paint a bleak picture of a struggling economy, but there is a beacon of hope on the horizon. The transformative power of innovative technologies and platforms promise to reshape these numbers and pave the way for a more inclusive future.
The digital challenge
Only 49% of South Africans are considered financially literate, additionally only 5% will be able to retire comfortably. According to the FSCA, when surveying over 3000 consumers, only 16% understood the concept of inflation, and only 46% could answer a basic interest question. To combat financial exclusion; banks, fintech companies, and edutech platforms can play a significant role through collaboration and targeted initiatives that encourage financial education.
By fostering digital proficiency, the country can empower its young population to bridge the unemployment gap. So, what is restricting financial inclusion in the country? Lack of access to financial products, coupled with overcomplicated digital solutions both pose challenges. Additionally inadequate internet infrastructure and expensive mobile data exacerbate the access gap, preventing individuals from utilising digital financial services effectively. According to GHS survey, in 2021 only 8,3% of South African households have access to fixed internet in their homes. In contrast we have 47.8 million mobile internet users, however airtime and data in the country remain expensive.
Leveraging technologies & platforms
Innovative technologies have emerged as powerful tools for overcoming the barriers of financial exclusion in South Africa, and sometimes it’s the alternative players that are making the biggest waves. Education platforms like Fincheck Academy and Worth Education offer accessible and comprehensive financial education resources to individuals, equipping them with the necessary knowledge and skills to make informed financial decisions. These platforms provide educational content tailored to real-life challenges faced by consumers, making it easier for users to understand and apply financial concepts.
According to Ean Barnard from Fincheck Academy “There is only so much the Open Banking sector can achieve with technology until it becomes a consumer-orientated only issue e.g. Financial Literacy and inherited money culture. Financial education will drive technology adoption, empowering consumers with the knowledge to access and comprehend digital products, securing their financial well-being and fostering a prosperous nation”.
South Africans are fully aware of the financial access gap in the country, with more than 50% of consumers wishing they had better financial literacy so that they could make better informed financial decisions and get access to the financial products they need. “In our country, there is a much-needed focus on educating our youth to get an education for job prospects. However, the lack of emphasis on financial management is dire: over 70% of South Africans spend their monthly salaries on debt. Platforms like Worth, are focused on transforming the lives of hard-working South Africans through financial education, allowing them to improve their money skills and confidence” says Hayley Parry, co-founder and Head of Education at Worth.
Another aspect of inclusion comes the need to improve South Africa’s current employment woes. According to Youth Capital’s 2022 Beyond the Cost survey, job seekers spend between R500-R1500 per month on transport, data and printing relating to job seeking. To improve employment prospects, it is crucial to tackle obstacles such as complex manual applications and limited digital literacy. The high costs associated with transportation, printing CVs, and the expense of mobile data only serve to compound these challenges. However, recruitment technologies like JOBJACK are playing a vital role in bridging the unemployment gap by harnessing digital solutions.
Through user-friendly online platform, JOBJACK offers a convenient way for job seekers to search for positions, submit applications, and connect with potential employers. This not only facilitates access to employment opportunities but also has a particular impact on the youth, providing them with a vital link to employers and a pathway to a brighter future.
“Having a job is one of the biggest factors contributing to someone’s quality of life. Everyone should be able to afford to apply for a job, but it is not the norm. JOBJACK has started to change that.” – Heine Bellingan, co-founder of JOBJACK
Image credit: Canva
Future developments
In addition to recruitment technologies and educational platforms, we’ll also see the emergence of embedded finance and superapps, which will make it more accessible for consumers to access a wide range of financial tools and services under one roof. These platforms will integrate banking, payments, investments, insurance, and other financial services. “Embedded finance, within the superapp ecosystem, will empower individuals with seamless access to personalised offerings and tools. This in turn will create a great user experience and assist the client with the purchase of their product, insurance, investment, payment, etc. It will concatenate offerings and processes into one slick flow and transfer.” Michael Bowren, co-founder of Finch Technologies.
Data analytics and AI tools will also play a crucial role in enabling alternative credit scoring methods. By analysing vast amounts of data, including transaction history, social media activity, and digital footprints, AI algorithms can assess creditworthiness more accurately. Additionally, biometric technologies, will offer a reliable and secure means of verifying a person’s identity. This is particularly important in areas where formal identification documents are scarce, and it can often be difficult for consumers to open bank accounts and access loans.
Accessibility to physical stores, expensive mobile data, and inadequate internet infrastructure are still prevalent obstacles. The platforms that will truly succeed in driving financial inclusion will be those that understand and address these challenges, tailoring their products and services to ensure affordability, ease of access, and compatibility with the existing limitations. By doing so, they can truly empower individuals and bridge the digital divide.
Smarter Mobility Africa summit will return 1–4 October 2023 at Gallagher Convention Centre, Gauteng, South Africa and celebrate its 5th anniversary.
A key event, kicking off October Transport Month, the annual gathering that inspires and connects visionary mobility solution providers, thought leaders, key buyers and decision makers from business and government to make mobility smarter and more integrated in Africa.
Smarter Mobility Africa summit understands the opportunities that come from an integrated mobility offering, and therefore creates an immersive experience to inspire, transform, and integrate with key stakeholders from across the whole of Africa.
This event is perfect to attend if you would want to engage in:
A thrilling exhibition showcasing ground-breaking products and services
Conferencing covering the full mobility industry
Test drives and rides of the latest vehicles
Start-up Village full of disruptive mobility solutions
The CEO of the South African Institute of Black Property Practitioners (SAIBPP), Kululwa Muthwa, says that South African property stakeholders need to collaborate more in order to drive meaningful transformation of the country’s residential property sector.
“To make the residential property market reflective of the demographic of South Africa, we need more platforms that bring relevant stakeholders together to engage meaningfully and to decisively agree on the elements required to drive inclusive participation and transformation,” Muthwa says.
To this end, the SAIBPP is supporting and participating in the upcoming inaugural Residential Investment & Development (RESIDE) Conference. The event takes place on the 12th and 13th of July 2023 and will see government agencies, asset managers, operating entities, investors, brokers, banks, consultants, and service providers come together to unpack new opportunities in the social and affordable housing, student, retirement, co-living and multi-family residential spaces. Hosted by SmartXchange (a division of Commerce Edge South Africa), this is South Africa’s first and only multisector residential investment and development conference and exhibition. It has been launched in response to the country’s massive housing shortage and high urbanisation rate, according to the organisers.
According to the Parliamentary Monitoring Group, South Africa is urbanizing rapidly. Already, 63% of the population lives in urban centers, and the figure is expected to rise to 71% by 2023. There is an urgent need to find solutions to the issue of housing shortage. This event will engage key stakeholders, in both government and private sectors to come together and create tangible solutions.
“As SAIBPP we believe that a platform of this nature will contribute to the broader conversation of creating a successful and inclusive residential property market for all South Africans.
Existing barriers such as financing, regulation, affordability of housing and the cost of doing business in the sector continue to slow down the pace of transformation and they need to be addressed,” asserts Muthwa.
The RESIDE Conference will feature practical case studies, roundtable discussions and keynote presentations from global and local experts and thought leaders. SmartXchange chairperson and CEO Debbie Tagg explains that the event’s objectives include enabling private players to achieve ‘Housing for All’; reducing development costs in the South African economy; capacitating the state for faster project approvals and policy implementation; formalising the industry value chain and ecosystem; and unlocking equity and debt funding.
By bringing together the entire residential value chain to share knowledge, collaborate and do business, the event aims to mitigate risk. “Pricing models will be unpacked and experts will share their experiences and insights with attendees,” Tagg says.
The industry leaders that will be speaking at the RESIDE Conference include Alison Tshangana, head of research and market intelligence at the Centre for Affordable Housing Finance; Bruce Gordon, CFO of the National Housing Finance Corporation; Africrest Properties director Grant Friedman; Erwin Rode, CEO of Rode Property Consultants and Valuers; Busi Nzo, chairperson of the Social Housing Regulatory Authority (SHRA); Chris Campbell, CEO of Consulting Engineers South Africa (CESA) and SAIBPP president Sylvester Martin.
The compelling presentations on the programme include one focusing on the state’s plans to enable and facilitate housing for all, and to attract capital and investment into housing development. This presentation will examine whether policy, investment and collaboration are the answer to closing the housing gap, and whether housing for all is just a pipe dream. The government has in the past committed to building 5 million houses for the underprivileged, as a way to provide housing for all. However, it is yet to be seen if this can be achieved.
The transformation of the housing market through innovation, technology and sustainable living is also in the spotlight at the RESIDE Conference. With 61% of buildings in South Africa being green, we are seeing more and more residential developers going the sustainability route. Modern construction methods and technologies, and innovative, sustainable building materials and techniques are on the agenda, with experts discussing whether they are viable or just “sexy”. Mitigating logistics and supplier challenges will also be addressed.
In a not to be missed panel discussion, industry specialists will discuss the sectors that are proving to be the rising stars in housing and investment. The panelists will share their insights and advice for investors seeking to untap the residential sector as a viable asset class. Investors, financiers, private and public sector role players will have the opportunity to learn and share knowledge on profitability and risk, and to look at how bankable housing projects can be accelerated through innovative partnerships and incentive schemes.
The RESIDE Conference takes place at Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg. The industry leaders that have partnered with SmartXchange as event partners include SHRA, National Housing Finance Corporation (NHFC), CESA, SAIBPP, the South African Association of Consulting Professional Planners (SAACPP) and the South African Insurance Association (SAIA).
To find out more about tailor made sponsorship and partnership opportunities at the 2023 Residential Investment & Development Conference, contact Debbie Tagg by emailing debbiet@ce-learn.com
South Africa’s largest Procurement and Supply Chain Indaba
11 – 14 September 2023
Smart Procurement World Indaba is Africa’s Premier procurement and supply chain gathering. The event is in its 17th year and is co-hosted with the Absa Enterprise & Supplier Development Event. Join attendees from procurement, supply chain, enterprise supplier development, SMME suppliers and procurement solution providers.
The 17th Annual event will unpack the balance of risk mitigation and provide the roadmap to innovative and resilient procurement functions. Across the private sector and the public sector, both risk and resilience are relevant.
Join the procurement and inbound supply chain event of the year!
As leaders, practitioners and procurement teams we come together to navigate the “How” of risk resilience.
KwaZulu-Natal is South Africa’s second largest provincial economy, contributing on average 16.0% to the country’s GDP. The province is home to two of Africa’s busiest and largest ports, Durban and Richards Bay. It also boasts the third highest export propensity and the second highest level of industrialisation in the country.
The annual Manufacturing Indaba Kwazulu-Natal brings together provincial manufacturers and businesses to explore growth opportunities, find out about the latest manufacturing incentives and trends, and provide a platform for networking and collaboration.
The exhibition provides an opportunity for manufacturers to showcase their expertise, network with industry peers and meet business suppliers. In addition, a series of exhibition workshops will be hosted and are free to attend. These workshops will cover issues relevant to the manufacturing community in the KwaZulu-Natal province.
Register to visit the Exhibition and attend the Knowledge Hub (No Cost)
If you would like to visit the exciting Manufacturing Indaba Exhibition and attend the Knowledge Hub sessions, please register here:
Enquire about exhibiting
If you would like to exhibit at the next event, please complete the enquiry form here and the organisers will contact you with more information. For other enquiries please email info@manufacturingindaba.co.za
South Africa’s only multisector residential investment and development event
Residential Investment & Development Conference is SA’s opportunity to bring together the entire residential value chain to share knowledge, collaborate and do business.
Affordable | Student | Multi-Family | Retirement | Social
Why the Residential Investment & Development Conference?
South Africa has a massive housing shortage and has one of the highest urbanisation rates (63%) amongst emerging economies across the world – higher than that of Nigeria and China (countries with much larger populations). There are 3309 informal settlements in the country. Social and Affordable Housing have to be galvanised in order to produce massive amounts of housing to alleviate the shortages.
Student accommodation- there is a capacity gap of 500 000 beds. In the last two years (2020, 2021) NSFAS spent an average R11,9 billion per annum on student accommodation funding. At least 420,000 students each year are in university and TVET accommodation. Out of this, approximately 43% was for institutional residences and 57% was for private accommodation.
The use of Innovative Building Technologies (IBTs) can reduce the cost of building materials by 10%.
Retirement property, on the other hand, remains a relatively untapped area of the South African housing market. The result is high prices suitable only for a few (less than 6% of South Africans are able to afford comfortable retirement), and long waiting lists at nearly every facility – be it a retirement estate, village or old age home.
This is your opportunity to tap into this platform, showcase your offering and do business with SA’s largest professional gathering bringing collaboration and investment across multi sector residential areas. The annual national event will bring together 200+ event attendees from across the value chain.
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