The newly enacted MHI Regulations of 2022 aim to improve workplace safety by refining and broadening protective measures related to handling bulk hazardous substances. A significant change in the updated regulations is the expectation for MHI facilities to selfregulate, which includes the adoption of incorporated standards and creation of a Major Prevention Incident Policy. The event will bring together a diverse array of stakeholders, and media participation is encouraged.
The Digital and Future Skills National Conference in South Africa addressed the urgent need for skills development to support innovation and digital transformation. With a young population, the country has immense potential to leverage the Fourth Industrial Revolution, but also a pressing need to skill, reskill, and upskill the workforce to meet the demands of the digital economy. A comprehensive strategy for digital skills development that includes both technical and soft skills is essential, along with investment in innovation hubs and publicprivate partnerships to drive innovation and bridge skills gaps.
Community Development Practitioners in South Africa were recently celebrated in a graduation ceremony organized by the Department of Social Development and the Health and Welfare Sector Education Training Authority (HWSETA). The event recognized the essential role these practitioners play in society as they provide crucial services to underprivileged rural and township communities. The initiative, known as the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), aims to professionalize Community Development Practice, contribute to a more skilled and employable workforce, and foster overall economic growth in the nation. Through their dedication, Community Development Practitioners facilitate sustainable change and development in impoverished communities and combat poverty and other social challenges.
Deputy President Paul Mashatile participated in a National Council of Provinces (NCOP) plenary sitting, addressing important national and international issues, such as enhancing the distribution of social grants and revitalizing infrastructure in the agricultural sector to improve food security. The NCOP event is one of the ways Parliament holds the Executive accountable for their performance. The National Assembly also held a hybrid plenary session, reviewing committee reports, and the media and public can access these meetings through various channels.
The CSIR Technology Commercialisation Enterprise is a new initiative launched by the Department of Science and Innovation in South Africa to promote the growth of technologies and socioeconomic prosperity. The launch represents a significant milestone in South Africa’s quest for a more prosperous, equitable, and sociallyjust society. The initiative underscores the importance of socioeconomic development in technological progress and promotes inclusive development, intellectual property exploitation, and the commercialization of grassroots innovation. It aims to foster innovation, strengthen institutions, and support homegrown technologies for implementation in government departments and communities.
Get ready for another economic winter in 2024, warns Maarten Ackerman, Chief Economist at Citadel. The global economy, still recovering from the Covid19 pandemic, will slow down further, marking the start of a winter cycle before spring arrives in 2025. South Africa is expected to face a colder economic winter compared to other parts of the world, due to structural factors such as an unreliable electricity supply and dysfunctional rail systems. Private sector investments are crucial to turning this economic winter into spring, and investors should maintain a proportion of cash and bonds in their portfolios as the riskreward balance in equities becomes less rewarding.
The AGOA Forum Made in Africa Exhibition is an exciting event that creates opportunities for businesses to connect with African exporters and establish international partnerships that contribute to growth and success. Held in Johannesburg, attendees can network, explore new markets, and contribute to the advancement of global trade and investments. The event embodies the objectives of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), and its B2B Sourcing and Investment Programme enables the exploration of new products, broadens market access, and endorses international partnerships. Businesses will build lasting partnerships and shape the global landscape, contributing to a brighter future for Africa and beyond.
Electricity wheeling is an innovative technique that allows power producers to transmit electricity through the grid to endusers without generating it onsite. It is being incorporated into the operations of Eskom, South Africa’s utility company, through a wheeling framework, which is expected to contribute significantly to the cessation of load shedding. The 28th Energy Digicon event explored the potential of virtual wheeling in South Africa’s energy landscape, with valuable insights from Onicah Rantwane, a senior advisor to Eskom on electricity pricing. The event highlighted the advantages of virtual wheeling, including greater market competition, potential cost savings for consumers and promoting renewable energy.
The South African province of Free State, led by Premier Mxolisi Dukwana, is preparing for a groundbreaking Energy Security Summit taking place in Bloemfontein on November 2, 2023. With its theme “Energizing the Future,” the summit strives to discover lasting energy answers and stimulate economic growth by encouraging cooperation between the government, higher education institutions, and private businesses. Over 500 delegates are anticipated to attend, providing an exceptional chance for specialists, academics, policymakers, and potential financiers to participate in productive discussions and establish partnerships for a cleaner, more thriving tomorrow.
Prasa and HDA have proposed to rezone two land parcels in Philippi for human settlements development. The City has initiated a public comment period to collect feedback on the proposed plans, reflecting their commitment to transparency and public involvement. The Municipal Planning Tribunal, an independent land use regulator, will assess the suitability of rezoning, and public engagement is crucial in shaping the community’s future. This process ensures that every stakeholder has a voice in decisions on land use and development.
The Free State Department of Economic, Small Business, Tourism, and Environmental Affairs has teamed up with CocaCola Beverages South Africa to empower small businesses in townships. The Bizniz in a Box program provides infrastructure and equipment assistance to 50 SMMEs, with a focus on women and young entrepreneurs. The goal is to unlock the untapped potential of township enterprises and set them on a growth trajectory towards an inclusive and prosperous future while bridging the gap between township and mainstream economic activities.
The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) warns against scammers targeting job seekers and small businesses during the festive season. To avoid falling for scams, individuals should exercise caution, verify the legitimacy of advertised vacancies, and avoid sharing personal information. The DPWI stresses that the government will never ask for payments related to services, jobs, and tenders. By staying alert and reporting any suspected scams, the public can protect themselves and others from falling victim to fraudulent schemes.
Good news for SASSA Gold Card beneficiaries: Postbank has confirmed the extended validity of the cards for grant payments beyond December 2023. This means that beneficiaries can continue accessing their funds securely and conveniently without having to switch to other banks’ cards, saving them time and expenses. SASSA beneficiaries should disregard any misinformation suggesting that they must switch to other card products due to the expiration of SASSA gold cards, as Postbank is the sole bank authorized to replace these cards.
South Africa is gearing up to host the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) Forum in November 2023, gathering government officials, business leaders, and industry experts from across Africa and the United States to discuss trade, investment, and economic development. The AGOA Forum is an initiative by the United States to offer eligible SubSaharan African countries preferential access to the US market, and South Africa’s hosting of the event highlights the nation’s dedication to economic growth and global integration. Minister Ebrahim Patel’s media briefing on October 26 will provide an update on the country’s preparedness for the forum and offer insights into the upcoming program.
PRASA, South Africa’s Passenger Rail Agency, is revolutionizing the country’s railways by launching two major development projects aimed at enhancing living conditions and providing affordable housing. The Goodwood Station Social Housing initiative aims to deliver over a thousand affordable rental units by October 2023, while the Cape Town Station development will offer 3,200 beds for students and a revamped retail precinct. PRASA’s diversified portfolio includes real estate investment and development to offset the cost of operating passenger rail services. These projects signify a collaborative commitment to improving transportation and infrastructure in South Africa.
Airbnb’s growth in South Africa has had a remarkable impact on the country’s economy and tourism industry, with its contribution to the GDP exceeding R23.5 billion in 2022 and creating over 50,000 jobs. Domestic travelers have been a significant factor in this growth, with 60% of total nights booked on the platform from locals. Airbnb’s pledge to support nonprofit organizations demonstrates its commitment to promoting sustainable tourism and fostering stronger communities.
