Business - Page 41

President Cyril Ramaphosa delivered a keynote speech at the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) Forum, highlighting the importance of extending AGOA beyond its 2025 expiration and forging partnerships between the United States and African countries. The forum focused on improving trade and investment relationships, promoting economic growth and development, and supporting regional integration. President Ramaphosa emphasized the power of partnership and cooperation in tackling global challenges and promoting sustainable development, exemplified by the AGOA Forum. Attendees left with a renewed dedication to advancing economic development and growth throughout Africa.

NatJOINTS, a collaboration of multiple government departments, has executed a detailed safety and security operation plan with increased police presence, strict accreditation processes, and road closures around the Johannesburg Expo Centre, where the 20th AGOA Forum was held. The comprehensive security measures exemplify NatJOINTS’ dedication to ensuring a safe environment for all attendees, showcasing their expertise in safeguarding highprofile events.

Hiring a professional bartender is essential to creating a desirable atmosphere and driving sales. A skilled bartender ensures quality service, customer satisfaction, and helps your establishment comply with alcohol regulations. Look for essential skills and character traits when hiring a bartender, and be wary of red flags and legal considerations. Attracting top talent involves posting job openings on platforms like Indeed, and a wellcrafted job description is crucial. Once hired, continue to train and motivate your bartender to foster a positive work environment and contribute to your establishment’s success.

Cape Town has introduced new regulations to reduce organic waste production by businesses, aiming for a 50% reduction by 2022 and 100% by 2027. The city is emphasizing the importance of minimizing organic waste, which generates methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Noncompliance with the waste management regulations can result in steep fines, with penalties ranging from R2,000 to R2,500. To facilitate compliance, the City of Cape Town is offering online waste management plan submissions.

Minister Enoch Godongwana’s MediumTerm Budget Policy Statement outlines South Africa’s plans to stabilize public finances, accelerate growthpromoting reforms, and restructure the state while delivering highquality public services. The economic and fiscal context of South Africa is discussed, including rising debt levels, combating crime and corruption, and infrastructure investment and growth. The government aims to invest in infrastructure, implement growthenhancing reforms, and address challenges to promote economic growth and social development for all citizens.

The Eastern Cape is empowering young farmers like Sihle Maseko by providing them with the necessary resources to succeed. MEC Nonkqubela Pieters is providing Maseko with a tractor to expand his business, which has already generated employment opportunities and expanded market reach. Maseko’s success story serves as an inspiration for the next generation of farmers and highlights the importance of education, hard work, and perseverance in the agricultural sector. The support of government initiatives and organizations like DRDAR and MEC Nonkqubela Pieters is crucial for the development and prosperity of South Africa’s agricultural resources.

South Africa’s Minister of Small Business Development, Stella NdabeniAbrahams, visited the Eastern Cape to support small businesses and informal traders by launching the Crudastar Incubator, providing essential business equipment, and facilitating access to funding. Her visit aimed to promote entrepreneurship and address critical issues such as unemployment and inequality. The government’s commitment to fostering an inclusive and diverse entrepreneurial ecosystem capable of addressing the region’s pressing challenges was exemplified by her visit.

The Free State Department of Economic, Small Business Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs achieved an unqualified audit outcome for the fiscal year 2022/23, showing their financial records are accurate and complete. Under MEC Thabo Meeko’s leadership, the department progressed from a qualified audit opinion in the previous fiscal year, highlighting the persistence and hard work of staff members. This achievement reflects the department’s commitment to good governance, transparency, and fostering an environment conducive to economic growth and social benefits, paving the way for a brighter future for the Free State’s residents.

Minister Stella NdabeniAbrahams visited the Eastern Cape to support small businesses and informal traders by tackling issues concerning sustainable livelihoods, unemployment, and inequality. She distributed essential business equipment to various small businesses and launched the Crudastar Incubator to provide a conducive environment for the expansion and progress of small enterprises, with a focus on rural and townshipbased startups owned by women, youth, and persons with disabilities. The ministry’s programs, such as IMEDP and the Pitch for Funding competition, aim to empower small businesses and promote sustainable livelihoods.

This article offers valuable tips for finding the perfect barista for your coffee shop. A great barista is not just a coffee brewer but also a customer service expert who can create a welcoming atmosphere. Crafting a welldefined job description that emphasizes both technical and interpersonal skills is key, as is prioritizing customer service during the hiring process. Various recruitment channels and qualifications like SCA certification can help you find the right candidate. By avoiding common pitfalls, like neglecting cultural fit, you can ensure your coffee shop succeeds in a competitive market.

Affordable housing in Africa, particularly in South Africa, faces challenges such as slow economic growth, high unemployment rates, and a lack of affordable options. Financing for lowincome families also remains difficult to secure. However, the South African government has launched programs such as the First Home Finance (FHF) program and social housing to bridge the funding gap. The Human Settlements Development Bank is also being formed to promote private sector funding, while transitioning to innovative building technologies is critical for addressing climate change and energy challenges. While significant progress has been made, the housing shortage remains severe, and the government pledges to continue working on sustainable solutions.

The South Africa Connect project aims to provide WiFi access to underserved communities and ensure universal internet access, with the goal of achieving 80% connectivity by 2024. Minister Mondli Gungubele is spearheading the initiative and plans to launch Phase 2 in Mount Ayliff, Eastern Cape in November 2023. The project is a collaborative effort between the public and private sectors to empower citizens, enhance their lives, and strengthen communities, bridging the digital divide and offering improved public services, employment opportunities, and social inclusion.

The National Development Agency (NDA) in South Africa has forged a partnership with the Africa Cooperatives Institute of South Africa (ACISA) to support poverty eradication initiatives. This collaboration aspires to empower individuals, families, and communities by implementing selfhelp programs that lead to sustainable livelihoods. The partners have come together to organize the 3rd Conference on Cooperatives and the Solidarity Economy (CCSE2023), scheduled to take place in Johannesburg from November 1st to 3rd, 2023.

Cape Town’s Final 2023 Property Auction offers an exceptional investment opportunity, with multiple prime properties aimed at boosting the city’s economy. The auction includes an extensive 86,000 m² of industrial and commercial space across 12 sites, coveted commercial kiosks in the city center and Simon’s Town, and an appealing commercial site in Century City. The auction takes place online, and interested individuals are urged to register and bid online to support the city’s economic growth strategy and generate income for municipal service delivery.

Western Cape leaders are calling for the MTBPS2023 to prioritize service delivery in critical sectors like education and healthcare, and to focus on economic growth driven by the private sector instead of poorly managed Stateowned Enterprises. They express concern about potential funding cuts through the Provincial Equitable Share and urge the national government to assume the costs of the publicsector wage increase. The leaders’ expectations for the budget adjustments offer valuable insight into the potential impacts on the Western Cape and the entire nation’s economic and social landscape.