Business - Page 54

Cape Town has completed a successful threeyear Electric Vehicle (EV) pilot project, in partnership with GreenCape, to showcase the viability and advantages of adopting electric vehicles for municipal fleets. The project aimed to develop a local business case for the electrification of municipal vehicle fleets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, enhance air quality, and decrease operational expenses. The project concluded that EVs in municipal fleets can significantly lower emissions, reduce fuel expenses and are more economical than their internal combustion engine counterparts. The success of the project serves as a model for other cities worldwide to adopt sustainable technology and reduce emissions.

BT Industrial Group’s R523 million investment commitment in South Africa’s Benoni region will create 600 new job opportunities in ecofriendly manufacturing. The investment will focus on three projects: highdensity polyethylene pipes and fittings to strengthen water infrastructure, foodgrade sustainable plastics to reduce ocean plastic waste, and vascular access management syringes to improve healthcare. The company’s dedication to innovation, job creation, and environmentally conscious practices showcases a model for sustainable growth in the manufacturing industry.

This is a historic milestone in the transformation of the nation’s ports and signals a commitment to enhancing their ability to support economic growth. The new board will provide vital guidance and oversight to Transnet while fostering open dialogue with the TNPA board regarding their future vision. Their collective expertise and knowledge will greatly contribute to TNPA’s success and mission fulfillment.

The NamibiaSouth Africa Business Forum and Exhibition is an event that unites business leaders from both countries to explore possibilities for expanding trade and investment partnerships. The focus is on strategic priority industries such as agriculture, automotive, clothing and textiles, and green hydrogen. The event aims to enhance crossborder value chains and develop the required infrastructure and logistics supply chains, encouraging collaboration and laying the groundwork for future growth and prosperity for both Namibia and South Africa. This event marks a significant step in the ongoing relationship between these neighboring nations, promoting dialogue and encouraging collaboration.

The South African Music Awards (SAMA) is set to bring a boost to the economy of KwaZuluNatal (KZN) province by revitalizing the entertainment and tourism sectors and enhancing the local and international exposure of the creative industry. The event is expected to contribute over R350 million to the provincial economy through various sources, including buildup programs, hotel accommodations, sponsorships, transportation, and media programs. The awards also offer numerous benefits such as promoting KZN as a tourist and investment destination and providing opportunities for local talent and businesses.

Matlosana, South Africa is undergoing a comprehensive infrastructure overhaul with the P137/1 rehabilitation project. The initiative involves the rehabilitation of a surfaced road, sinkhole repair, and an intersection upgrade. The project’s completion will enhance safety, reduce travel time, and foster economic growth, showing the government’s commitment to improving citizens’ lives. The collaboration between different government levels serves as evidence of the power of teamwork in driving positive change, setting a new benchmark for infrastructure development in South Africa.

The Gauteng Provincial Government and Diageo South Africa have launched the “Wrong Side of the Road” campaign to provide free learners licenses to disadvantaged young individuals living in TISH areas within Gauteng. The campaign aims to combat youth unemployment and enhance road safety by kickstarting the process of obtaining a driver’s license and emphasizing responsible and safe driving habits during the learning phase. The initiative has received over 130,000 applications since its announcement in August 2023.

The Pitch for Funding Competition in South Africa is a platform for small businesses to present their innovative ideas and attract potential investors. It is a joint venture between the Department of Small Business Development, the Small Enterprise Development Agency, and the Small Enterprise Finance Agency, aimed at facilitating access to funding and nonfinancial support instruments for small, medium, and microsized enterprises. The competition serves as a driving force for innovation, collaboration, and investment, contributing to the transformation of the South African economy.

Cape Town’s Mayor Geordin HillLewis supports Unite Behind’s High Court application to encourage the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa) and the National Government to finalize a Service Level Agreement (SLA) for passenger rail standards and improvement targets. This legal action could set a precedent for future cooperation between local and national governments on public transportation matters. Collaborative planning with the national government is essential for the transfer of control of passenger rail services to Cape Town, and developing a binding SLA would ensure higher standards of service for the city’s residents.

The Department of Public Enterprises (DPE) and China Communications Construction Company (CCCC) are exploring a potential partnership to align their infrastructural objectives. South Africa’s focus on infrastructure development and economic growth makes engaging with renowned global companies like CCCC essential. CCCC is a specialist in infrastructure construction, design, and investment with extensive experience in largescale infrastructure projects. The possible partnership could signify a broader shift in global economic relationships and contribute to South Africa’s ongoing infrastructure development and economic growth while nurturing positive relations between nations.

South Africa and Namibia’s BiNational Commission (BNC) serves as a platform to deepen their bilateral relations and collaborate in advancing Africa’s political, economic, and social integration. The 3rd Session of the BNC in October 2023 focuses on energy cooperation, particularly in electricity and green hydrogen, and encouraging collaboration in various other sectors to propel progress and development throughout the African continent. President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa and President Hage Geingob of Namibia jointly preside over the session, with a highlevel delegation from South Africa attending to strengthen cooperation between the two nations.

Premier Alan Winde hosted the 26th Energy Digicon to discuss how the mobile communications industry is dealing with the energy crisis. Industry leaders explored the use of renewable energy sources and innovative technologies to ensure uninterrupted service delivery. The event emphasized the importance of cooperation between the government and industry in formulating holistic strategies to combat the energy crisis.

The financial sustainability of South Africa’s water sector is being addressed in an upcoming workshop, with representatives from various stakeholders coming together to discuss steps needed to ensure sustainability. The workshop will provide collaboration and knowledge sharing opportunities among key stakeholders to develop a stronger and resilient water infrastructure system in South Africa. Initiatives like this are crucial in addressing the challenges the sector faces, and collaboration among government authorities, private sector entities, and public sector organizations will be critical in surmounting financial challenges and ensuring the wellbeing of the nation’s population.

South Africa is taking action to tackle its high unemployment rate through the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) Phase 5. The program aims to create ongoing opportunities for growth, learning, and empowerment for young people, revitalizing workshops and exploring alternative financing options. By incorporating modern technology and devising exit strategies for participants, the government hopes to create a brighter future for the country’s youth, women, and communities, ultimately changing the public employment narrative in South Africa.