Business - Page 37

The South African Primary Health Care Conference is a momentous occasion that marks a pivotal moment in the country’s health sector history. The conference is attended by a diverse blend of dignitaries, academics, researchers, NGO representatives, civil society members, and private sector individuals, all united with a shared purpose of fortifying South Africa’s primary health care. The conference addresses the challenges of achieving Universal Health Coverage, constructing an inclusive national healthcare system, and prioritizing holistic wellness through the district health system. The Minister emphasizes the importance of collaboration and commitment to a common goal a vision of health and wellbeing for all, leaving no one behind.

South Africa’s National Tourism Safety Strategy is aimed at increasing visitor safety and changing the perception that South Africa is not a safe destination. The plan includes three pillars: preventative measures, reactive measures, and postincident care programs, and initiatives under the plan include the Tourism Monitors Programme, the CMORE Tracking device, victim support programs, and safety applications such as the SECURA Traveller App. The government is dedicated to upscaling security, creating job opportunities, and promoting inclusive tourism, with the formation of the National Tourism Safety Forum and partnerships with private and public agencies.

The Department of Employment and Labour is launching extensive inspections across all Southern Sun hotels nationwide to ensure adherence to employment laws. This is a revolutionary move towards compliance, aiming to work in cooperation with employers to identify and eliminate elements that could potentially obstruct compliance. The media has been invited to document the inspection, offering the public a transparent glimpse into the process and its outcomes, establishing a positive precedent for other businesses to adhere to labor laws.

South Africa’s agricultural sector has been praised for its vigorous expansion and resilience, with the highest employment level in agriculture since 1993 and a significant contribution to the country’s economic recovery. The sector has demonstrated its potential to bolster overall economic growth, generating job opportunities, enhancing the living standards of rural dwellers, and contributing to the country’s aggregate economic growth. The revival of rural agriculture and the ongoing enhancement of export opportunities have been singled out as critical drivers of growth and stability within the sector.

The Strandfontein coastal node in Cape Town is set for a major developmental surge, with plans to create a vibrant, interconnected urban area that combines residential, retail and recreational spaces. The proposed development includes conference and hotel facilities, picnic areas, walkways and terraces, public spaces for markets, and the preservation and restoration of natural wetlands and dunes. An independent environmental consultant will ensure harmony with the environment, while residents are encouraged to participate in shaping the development, which aims to be a model of progress and environmental sustainability.

Cape Town’s three water treatment plants, Brooklands, Blackheath, and Voëlvlei, have received the ISO 22000 food safety management system certification, marking a significant achievement in their pursuit of quality. This rigorous certification signifies the city’s commitment to exceptional standards and supplying its inhabitants with topquality potable water. The certification process involved a thorough review of current practices, internal evaluations, comprehensive training, and detailed examination by external auditors. This accomplishment highlights the dedication of the Water and Sanitation team and provides a sense of security for residents’ access to clean drinking water, a fundamental human right.

The South African National Petroleum Company Bill proposes the creation of a governmentoperated energy corporation to oversee the nation’s exploration and production rights and ensure sustainable development of petroleum resources in South Africa. The Bill marks a crucial milestone in the country’s quest for robust energy governance and sustainable growth and is open for public input, reflecting the government’s dedication to transparency and inclusivity in policy formation. The Bill is an opportunity for citizens to shape their country’s energy sector and paves the way for a new epoch of energy governance marked by increased control and sustainable practices.

Kuza Freezer, a Kenyan startup, has developed an innovative solution for the country’s fishing industry solarpowered freezers. With around 60,000 fishermen relying on the waters for their livelihoods, the lack of affordable cold storage facilities has resulted in a significant amount of their catch going to waste. However, Kuza Freezer’s payasyougo model allows fishermen to rent the freezers without significant upfront expenses, extending the shelflife of their catch to over 30 days. The company aims to expand its reach to benefit at least 600 more fishermen and potentially explore new markets.

The Ministry of Tourism in South Africa has partnered with Google to improve the country’s tourism industry. The collaboration involves digital skills training, showcasing South African tourism sites and cultural heritage on Google’s Arts and Culture Portal, and organizing seminars to enhance tourism thought leadership. This partnership will empower local businesses, particularly emerging firms, and drive economic growth. By combining Google’s technological strengths with the Ministry’s strategies, South Africa aims to present itself as an alluring tourist destination and leverage innovation for promoting tourism.

The Presidential SMME and Cooperatives Awards in South Africa celebrate the determination and innovation of small businesses and cooperatives. The awards honour those who have shown extraordinary resilience and commitment to sustainable small business development, playing a critical role in bolstering the country’s economy. The event acknowledges the importance of entrepreneurship in South Africa and recognizes the contributions of those who have made substantial progress in their respective sectors.

The TUT Centre for Entrepreneurship Development celebrated its fifth anniversary on November 14, 2023, marking five years of empowering startups with essential entrepreneurial skills, mentorship, and training. The center’s strategic approach aims to foster social and economic inclusivity by encouraging participation from women, youth, and disabled individuals in the entrepreneurial space through access to education and support. The event also recognized the remarkable contributions of entrepreneurs, trainers, mentors, and the Department’s leadership, leaving attendees with a renewed purpose and optimism for the future of entrepreneurship in South Africa.

South Africa’s Game Meat Strategy is an innovative plan for sustainable growth and job creation in the game meat industry. With a vision for a resilient and comprehensive game meat sector, the strategy aims to enhance food security, conservation, and sustainable use of biodiversity while generating over 200,000 sustainable jobs by 2030. The execution plan involves collaborative governance with various stakeholders to achieve economic growth, environmental preservation, and social development. This strategy is not just a gamechanger for the industry but has potential to revolutionize the South African economy.

The National Student Financial Scheme (NSFAS) in South Africa is evolving and modernizing to better serve its over a million student beneficiaries. The organization has responded to criticism and embraced change by restructuring its ICT system, reevaluating operational processes, optimizing its application processes for faster funding decisions, and initiating a mobile application for the 2024 application season. The NSFAS is also collaborating with the Department of Basic Education to ameliorate the application validation process and putting the final touches on funding guidelines for the academic year 2024. Despite challenges, NSFAS is committed to providing financial aid to students from impoverished and workingclass communities in South Africa.

South Africa will undergo a compulsory International Maritime Organisation (IMO) audit in November 2023, which will evaluate the country’s compliance with international maritime regulations and norms. The audit is part of South Africa’s commitment to accountability, safety, security, and environmental responsibility in maritime matters. The country’s active involvement in audits demonstrates its ambition to be a significant participant in global maritime affairs and enhance its maritime sector continually.

Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality is collaborating with stakeholders to promote economic growth through initiatives such as reopening the Bloemfontein Zoo, transforming Naval Hill into a tourism product, and supporting small businesses. They are also tackling environmental concerns with a wastetoenergy project. Despite economic hurdles, officials are confident that collective efforts can make Mangaung the province’s economic and investment hub. This meeting sparks optimism for a prosperous future and underscores officials’ dedication to sustainable economic growth.