Business - Page 42

Tshokolo Petrus Nchocho has been appointed as the Board chairperson for Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA), bringing over two decades of experience in finance and economic development. Nchocho’s appointment aims to strengthen TNPA’s strategic presence and enhance the economic contribution of ports in South Africa. TNPA’s Board already boasts a talented and diverse group of individuals, and with Nchocho’s appointment, the organization is wellequipped to drive economic growth and competitiveness.

South Africa’s mining sector has long been acknowledged as a central part of its economy, bringing resources and job opportunities. However, the industry has notoriously been slow to accept gender transformation, even with multiple legislative frameworks in place to advance equality. To address this pressing issue, the Commission for Gender Equality (CGE) has planned a series of gender transformation hearings, focusing particularly on the mining sector.

CocaCola Beverages South Africa (CCBSA) and the Free State Department of Economic, Small Business Development, Tourism, and Environmental Affairs (DESTEA) have partnered to promote small enterprises in Harrismith’s townships through the Bizniz in a Box (BiB) programme. The programme provides support to entrepreneurs with business equipment, infrastructure upgrades, and training, as well as ongoing business development support. The aim is to create employment opportunities and reduce poverty in marginalized communities, bridging the spatial gap and empowering SMMEs.

Karoo Lamb, a unique lamb offering from South Africa’s Karoo region, has become the first South African product to be registered as a Geographical Indication (GI) under the nation’s Agricultural Products Standards Act. This registration ensures that financial and reputational rewards are directed back to the region and maintains the high quality and standards for which it is renowned. Karoo Lamb’s journey towards GI registration required years of cooperation among various stakeholders and the product’s unique features have been the focus of comprehensive research. The GI registration serves multiple purposes beyond simply recognizing this specific product, as it also secures the reputation of Karoo Lamb and ensures that financial and reputational rewards are directed back to the region.

The Digital and Future Skills Conference in South Africa focused on developing digital skills to address unemployment and the skills gap. The conference emphasized political leadership, continuous learning and adaptation, and partnerships between the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies and various organizations. Collaboration among educational institutions, businesses, governments, and individuals is critical for success in the digital age. The conference set the groundwork for propelling economic growth and societal progress through digital innovation and transformation.

Deputy Minister David Mahlobo is attending the Cairo Water Week 2023 event to advocate for sustainable water management in light of increasing water scarcity and climaterelated challenges. He will focus on constructive dialogues concerning crucial policies, strategies, and measures related to water adaptation, emphasizing South Africa’s need to increase reuse, reclamation, and desalination projects. His involvement demonstrates South Africa’s dedication to promoting a sustainable future and addressing the impact of climate change on the water sector.

Johannesburg’s Metrobus is improving the public transportation experience by adopting advanced technology, including a fleet management system, free WiFi, and an Automated Fare Collection (AFC) system pilot. The newly introduced fleet management system provides realtime information to optimize decisions, monitor driver behavior, track buses, and manage commuter activity. The AFC system offers safer, simpler, and more customerfocused payment methods. Johannesburg’s commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction showcases its dedication to becoming a worldclass African city.

Edu Invest is a publicprivate partnership initiative launched by the Western Cape Education Department and Wesgro to attract investment in the education sector and create new private schools. The program aims to relieve overcrowding in public schools, enhance overall educational outcomes, and position the Western Cape as Africa’s foremost education and innovation center. Edu Invest underscores the commitment of both public and private sectors to reshape the educational landscape and build a brighter future for the region.

The Durban Occupational Health and Safety Conference 2023 aims to bring together stakeholders to share best practices and explore technical cooperation in the changing work environment. With a focus on collaboration, the conference highlights OHS as the fifth principle in ILO’s fundamental rights and principles at work, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive response from all parties involved. South Africa’s commitment to integrating this right into its workplaces demands a systematic approach and the commitment of all role players, enabling the ongoing enhancement of OHS policies and ensuring decent work conditions for all citizens.

The City of Cape Town has made paying municipal bills easier for its residents by introducing QR codes on invoices. By scanning the QR code with their smartphones, customers can quickly access the payment portal, making the process more accurate, efficient, and secure. The City also encourages residents to sign up for emailed accounts for added convenience, but traditional payment methods are still available for those who prefer them. The integration of QR codes is a significant milestone in the City’s pursuit of excellence, offering a userfriendly payment option for its residents.

Coalition governance in South Africa allows for collaboration among different parties and voices, promoting inclusiveness in the political sphere. However, unprincipled manipulation and difficulties in adapting to coalition dynamics can impact service delivery and weaken municipal administrations’ capacity to provide essential services. The Department of Cooperative Governance is pursuing legislative reforms to manage coalition governments more effectively and create a more stable and equitable environment. Despite its challenges, coalition governance reinforces the principles of a true democracy, with inclusivity and knowledgesharing among diverse parties serving as driving forces for a brighter, more united future.

President Cyril Ramaphosa’s upcoming public engagements will encompass diverse aspects of governance, including enhancing service delivery, attending international sports events, and fostering economic partnerships. These endeavors illustrate the President’s dedication to forging stronger ties within South Africa and beyond its boundaries.

South Africa’s National Labour Migration Policy seeks to harmonize the expectations of the populace, labour market demands, migrant worker protection, and regional integration. The policy has three critical intervention areas, emphasizes collaboration, and aims to address specific issues faced by migrant workers through data collection and analysis. A Labour Migration Policy and Governance dialogue was hosted in Mpumalanga, drawing diverse stakeholders from various sectors, and the Department of Employment and Labour is committed to developing a wellinformed NLMP that addresses concerns and benefits all parties involved.

Barbara Creecy, South Africa’s Minister of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment, gave opening remarks at the National Stakeholder Consultations for COP28, emphasizing the country’s commitment to sustainable development and the need for inclusive negotiations. COP28 is the 28th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), where countries gather to discuss global efforts to combat climate change. Key agenda items include establishing a global fund for loss and damage, increasing climate finance goals, and assessing collective progress through the Global Stocktake. South Africa is actively preparing for the critical COP28 conference in December, aiming to shape the country’s negotiating position while addressing the challenges posed by climate change.