Business - Page 38

The North West Provincial Legislature is organizing an important Transport Sectoral Parliament to address challenges in the transport sector and foster a more democratic and participatory approach to decisionmaking. The event will bring together various stakeholders, including representatives from transportation services and departments, to contribute towards the construction of superior transport infrastructure for South Africa. The parliament will focus on challenges such as the Bus Rapid Transit infrastructure project, social cohesion, and rail transport infrastructure, and will be broadcast live on the North West Provincial Legislature’s Facebook page to enable wider public participation.

South Africa’s Hex Project is the country’s first Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), located in the Western Cape, and represents a major breakthrough in Africa’s energy sector. Spearheaded by Eskom, the stateowned power corporation, the initiative aims to combat the global climate crisis by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, creating job opportunities, securing investments, and enhancing living standards for South Africans. The Hex project is not only a remarkable engineering achievement, but also serves as a beacon of hope for a sustainable future.

The South African government is taking steps to combat unemployment, such as launching job openings and providing career counselling, as well as partnering with businesses and community organizations to generate job opportunities, particularly in the North West Province. The Deputy Minister of Employment and Labour emphasized the pressing issue of unemployment at a recent business breakfast meeting and urged collaboration between the government and employers. Initiatives such as the Jobs Fair and Mobile Employment Centres aim to ease the burden of unemployment.

The North Gauteng High Court has ruled in favor of the Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport, allowing the Vaal River City Interchange project to proceed without disruption. The contract had been given to Ditshimega Projects and Training, which was disputed by unsuccessful bidders Mapitsi Civil Works and MECSA Construction, but the court found that Ditshimega’s completion certificates were relevant and consistent with the tender project. This landmark decision sets a precedent for public procurement in South Africa, emphasizing the importance of transparency, fairness, and due diligence in ensuring successful execution of public projects.

MEC Siboniso Duma has launched the Skills Revolution Campaign in KwaZuluNatal to enhance the skills and talents of its residents and revive the economy after the COVID19 pandemic and floods. The campaign aims to promote selfsufficiency, job creation, and economic rejuvenation by investing in human capital and has secured R200 million from merSETA to settle students’ arrears in higher education institutions and facilitate knowledge acquisition. The campaign will positively impact thousands of people and includes the inauguration of a Digital Centre at the Mangosuthu University of Technology, supported by various stakeholders and government departments. The campaign is a landmark initiative that aims to transform KwaZuluNatal into a hub of knowledge, wealth creation, and job opportunities, signaling hope and prosperity for its residents.

South Africa’s Minister for Public Works and Infrastructure, Sihle Zikalala, has invited over 500 international investors to invest in the country’s infrastructure. He assured the audience that South Africa is implementing concrete actions to guarantee an environment free from corruption, and the government is devoted to protecting investments from misuse. Despite challenges, South Africa remains tenacious and continues to advance reforms and pave the way for productive publicprivate collaborations. The speech was both an open invitation and a manifesto, portraying a nation that eagerly anticipates the influx of investors.

In an age where transparency and ethical leadership are the cornerstones of public confidence, Transnet and the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) have acted decisively to protect the principles of justice and the public treasury. The recent court ruling obtained by these bodies shines an intense light on the importance of maintaining ethical behavior within stateowned enterprises.

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Meet Shoeshoe Qhu, the new leader of the Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA), who brings with her years of experience in the media industry and a commitment to media diversity and freedom. Her dynamic ascent and profound impact on previous organizations have left indelible marks on the industry. Ms. Qhu’s leadership promises to transform the digital media landscape, aligning it with contemporary needs and community outreach. Her expertise in digital media and brand management is anticipated to spearhead the MDDA’s digital initiatives, ensuring they stay at the forefront of innovation.

Minister Zikalala of South Africa is on a mission to attract investment in vital sectors such as energy, water, telecommunications, and transport, to promote economic growth. He is showcasing South Africa as an ideal hub for infrastructure investment, with a focus on establishing enduring, mutually beneficial ties with stakeholders and cultivating fresh alliances in the infrastructure market. The department is committed to transparency and inclusivity in its engagement with interested entities.

South Africa’s Transport and Logistics Symposium is an annual event that brings together experts, key players, and luminaries to discuss the future of transportation and logistics in the country. The event aims to foster innovative strategies that propel the nation towards a more sustainable and inclusive transport system. The keynote speech of the Minister of Transport, Ms. Sindisiwe Chikunga, is highly anticipated at the event, which will be held at the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit in Midrand.

Procter & Gamble has expanded its operations in South Africa with the inauguration of a cuttingedge production line in Kempton Park. The move is aligned with the country’s investment objectives and supports sustainable and inclusive growth. P&G has had a significant presence in Africa for over 50 years, with manufacturing facilities in several countries, and is dedicated to increasing small business participation in its value chains, waste reduction, skills development, and women’s empowerment. The inauguration of the Pampers Premium Care production line is a key milestone in P&G’s ongoing efforts to expand its local presence through local sourcing, job creation, technological advancement, and sustainability.

South Africa is making its presence known at the World Travel Market (WTM) in London, which takes place from November 6th to 8th, 2023. With a robust delegation led by Minister of Tourism Patricia De Lille, the event features 27 exhibitors who represent the diverse attractions that South Africa has to offer. The objective of the event is to strengthen the nation’s tourism recovery.

South Africa’s Minister of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment, Barbara Creecy, announced her decisions regarding the appeals lodged against the rulings in the Hake Longline sector as part of the Fishing Rights Allocation Process 2020/2021. The decisions were made to balance various elements, such as the Marine Living Resources Act principles and objectives, the 2021 General Policy on the Allocation of Commercial Fishing Rights, and the sectorspecific policy on commercial fishing rights allocation in the Hake Longline sector. The Minister emphasized the importance of incorporating new entrants to expand access to the fishing industry and foster its transformation while ensuring stability, sustainability, and transparency.

SA Connect is a project aimed at providing WiFi access to communities throughout South Africa and increasing broadband penetration while stimulating economic growth. On November 4, 2023, the second phase of the project was launched in Mount Ayliff, Eastern Cape Province. This initiative has created jobs for 120 skilled professionals and semiskilled laborers and is projected to generate employment opportunities for 4,505 skilled professionals and semiskilled workers. The project plans to establish over 32,000 community WiFi hotspots and achieve 80% internet connectivity for the nation’s population by the end of the 2024/25 fiscal year.