Category: General

The Marketing, Advertising and Communication (MAC) Charter Council will host a Women’s Day event, an inspiring and empowering gathering dedicated to celebrating the achievements and contributions of women in the MAC Sector. The event is set to take place on 01 September 2023 at Inanda Polo Club in Sandton, Johannesburg under the theme, “Driving transformation and empowerment: Advancing women in the MAC sector”.

In the continuous spirit of the Women’s Month celebration, the event will feature insightful panel discussions and keynote speakers such as the Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Nomasonto Motaung and MAC B-BBEE Charter Council members. Attendees will be leaders and advocates of transformation and gender equity in the MAC sector such as the Commission for Gender Equality and the B-BBEE Commission as well as Journalism and Integrated Marketing and Communications students from Tshwane University of Technology representing the youth sector.

The MAC Charter Council believes that through strategic initiatives and collaborative efforts, it can stimulate valuable insight on discussions on women’s leadership within the sector. The MAC Charter Council is committed to positive change and fostering an environment that promotes gender equality, diversity and leadership within the MAC sector.

The panel discussants will also cover procurement challenges facing MAC women-owned business in the sector and possible interventions on broadening economic opportunities which are pivotal to the implementation of the MAC Charter.

Notes for the editor:

The MAC Charter Council was launched on 25 March 2022 and it is tasked with monitoring transformation of the sector by facilitating the implementation of the B-BBEE sector code. It has representatives from government, the regulators, MAC sector, women, and youth and organised labour, who are tasked to measure transformation progress made by the MAC sector.

The appointment of the MAC Charter Council is directed towards ensuring that transformation in the sector is promoted, monitored and reported on annually in line with the provisions of the Broad-based Black Economic Empowerment Act of 2003, as amended.

The MAC Charter Council is also responsible for providing guidance to the MAC Sector on matters relating to empowerment and B-BBEE which will be geared at achieving transformation including the implementation of preferential procurement specifically empowering 30% black women-owned businesses in the MAC sector.

Source: Government of South Africa

Through economic reforms implemented through Operation Vulindlela, President Cyril Ramaphosa says government is steadily laying the foundation for a revival of economic growth.

In his weekly newsletter, the President noted the release of a progress report, which highlights a number of key milestones that have been reached during the past quarter.

“Since Operation Vulindlela was established, we have built significant momentum in economic reforms to create growth and jobs.

“Through these reforms we are steadily laying the foundation for a revival of economic growth. By restructuring our network, industries like energy, telecommunications, ports and rail, we are opening the space for investment and a renewal of our nation’s infrastructure,” the President said.

The President highlighted that the first of the reform milestones was the digital migration process which government implemented by switching off analogue transmission for all frequencies above 694 MHz on 31 July 2023.

“This marks a significant step in migration from analogue to digital signal. This means that radio frequencies that were being used for television broadcasting can now be used for mobile telecommunications, which will make network communications more accessible and increase the speed and reduce the cost of data. The implementation of this reform will bring new investment in the telecommunications sector,” he said.

President Ramaphosa told citizens that work is underway to implement necessary reforms in the logistics sector to address the challenges that have held back the growth of South African exports.

He highlighted that the lack of investment and the increased cost of doing business have added to the many challenges that need to be addressed.

Another key milestone was reached with the selection of an international terminal operator to partner with Transnet at the Durban Pier 2 container terminal. This terminal handles close to half of South Africa’s port traffic.

“This partnership will increase investment for upgrading equipment and expanding terminal capacity. A key aspect of this partnership is that port infrastructure will remain state-owned and all jobs will be protected,” he said.

The President further highlighted that two critical pieces of legislation were tabled in Parliament this month, that will advance economic reform.

The Electricity Regulation Amendment Bill will support the restructuring of Eskom into three separate companies owned and controlled by Eskom Holdings, including an independent grid operator.

“Through this bill we will introduce competition in electricity generation, enabling a number of independent generators, alongside Eskom, to produce electricity to meet our country’s demand. This reform will fundamentally transform, modernise and improve South Africa’s energy sector to ensure energy security into the future.

“Meanwhile, the reforms we have implemented through the Energy Action Plan have unlocked new investment in renewable energy sources, both to end load shedding and to use our unique wind and solar resources to power economic growth,” he said.

One of key reforms that government has prioritised is in the water sector. Government has introduced the South African National Water Resources Infrastructure Bill to establish a dedicated national water agency to design, plan and finance water resource infrastructure.

This agency will enable significantly greater investment in bulk water infrastructure to guarantee water security in the years and decades to come, while creating jobs and unlocking new agricultural potential.

“We are implementing a range of other reforms to unlock economic growth, from creating an enabling regulatory environment for hemp and cannabis production to eradicating the backlog of title deeds for subsidised housing,” he said.

Despite difficult global conditions, the President said investors continue to see value in the South African economy and the benefit of the reform agenda government is pursuing.

He added that he is pleased that the BRICS Business Forum held last week was attended by 1 500 investors and business people from all five member countries.

The President said the Summit was able to showcase the potential of South Africa and the African continent as the next frontiers of productivity and growth.

“Many of the participants remarked on the enormous potential of our economic reform agenda to drive growth in the green economy, the digital economy and other key sectors.

“In all of the work that we do, our ultimate goal is the same: to build an inclusive, fast-growing and dynamic economy and thereby create a better life for all South Africans,” he said.

Source: South African Government News Agency

The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has announced the appointment of an industry advisory panel in the digital transformation space.

“This signifies the organisation’s efforts to align with industry-specific priorities in the quest to achieve digitalisation for greater societal and industrial impact.

“Utilising its robust science, engineering and technology capabilities, the organisation seeks to establish a balance between scientific and industrial development,” the organisation said on Monday.

Meanwhile, CSIR believes that a greater understanding of industry needs is vital to achieving these strategic objectives.

The Executive Cluster Manager of CSIR NextGen Enterprises and Institutions, Dr Lulama Wakaba, explained the purpose of the industry advisory panel, which is to provide advice on strategic issues to the cluster’s leadership and researchers in the digitalisation domain.

“It is guided by the CSIR’s mandate of contributing to improving the quality of life of the people of South Africa through directed multidisciplinary research and technological innovation. All clusters of the CSIR have important contributions to make to this mandate,” Wakaba added.

He also noted that the panel members bring a wealth of experience, which will be invaluable in gaining insight into market operations.

The panel comprises 12 members and Mamello Selamolela, who has been appointed Chairperson to lead the team.

The other members include Bronwyn Williams, Nomso Kana, Dawood Patel, Paul Mashegoane, Envir Fraser, Wakaba, Dr Ntsibane Ntlatlapa and Anne Gabathuse.

Group Executive for CSIR Smart Society, Dr Sandile Malinga, said he was looking forward to innovative insights and approaches based on the panel’s extensive experience and exposure.

“The newly established industry advisory panel not only strengthens the CSIR’s commitment to achieving strategic objectives but also underscores its dedication towards fostering industrial development and digital transformation within government, public institutions and the industry at large.”

The panel’s view, according to CSIR, is that the cluster’s impact ought to reflect the important pillars of society understanding the core of national societal needs and ensuring that the response harnesses digitalisation for the benefit of South Africa.

The CSIR, an entity of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, is one of the leading scientific and technology research, development and implementation organisations in Africa.

CSIR undertakes directed and multidisciplinary research and technological innovation, as well as industrial and scientific development to improve the quality of life of all South Africans.

Source: South African Government News Agency

Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille and representatives of the private sector will this afternoon give an update on tourism safety measures.

This as the Minister will convene the second National Tourism Safety Forum which includes all Tourism MECs, the South African Police, the National Prosecuting Authority, the Departments of Tourism and Transport, the Tourism Business Council of South Africa and the South African Tourism Services Association.

It will also include the Airports Company South Africa, Federated Hospitality Association of South Africa (FEDHASA), the South African Township and Village Tourism Organisation (SATOVITO) and other tourism sector bodies.

The previous National Tourism Safety Forum meeting held in May saw all representatives agreeing on clear actions to address tourism safety.

Earlier this year, Minister de Lille said safety is one of the major issues affecting growth in the tourism sector.

“Tourism is not only an economic activity but an essential vehicle that promotes a mutual understanding between a tourist and host community. Tourism is recognised for its immense potential and its significant contribution to the economy.

“Safety is one of the major issues affecting the tourism sector and as partners, government and the private sector agreed tourism safety is a priority that we need to address collectively so that we can grow the sector and remove any obstacles standing in the way of that objective,” Minister de Lille said at the time.

Source: South African Government News Agency

Deputy President Paul Mashatile arrived in Juba on Monday to assess the latest developments in the implementation of the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS).

According to a statement released yesterday, the visit aims to also strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries.

“Deputy President Mashatile’s visit is an opportunity to continue engaging parties to the R-ARCSS as well as reaffirm South Africa’s support to the full implementation of all outstanding provisions of the R-ARCSS,” the statement read.

He, according to this Office, will further call for a strengthened commitment by all international partners and friends of South Sudan to support the process.

This includes directly resourcing some of the critical mechanisms of the roadmap towards a peaceful and democratic end to the transitional period, and humanitarian assistance.

Vice President of South Sudan, James Wani Igga, International Relations and Cooperation Minister Naledi Pandor, and the South African Ambassador to South Sudan Mahlodi Muofhe received the Deputy President.

In May this year, the Deputy President said South Africa would continue to support peace missions in South Sudan.

He explained that the mandate of the Special Envoy to South Sudan differs from that of South Africa’s Ambassador.

“The latter deals with normal bilateral relations between the two countries. The Special Envoy on the other hand is tasked with assisting in the search for durable peace in South Sudan.”

The immediate task of the Special Envoy, he said, is to help the parties to the Transitional Government of National Unity in South Sudan with the implementation of the R-ARCSS.

The power-sharing agreement was signed between the warring parties in August 2018 in a bid to end the five-year civil war.

“The work of the Special Envoy contributes to the effort to silence the guns.”

Source: South African Government News Agency

TEXEM, the UK leadership development organisation, has described the appointment of an architect, Musa Dangiwa, as Minister of Housing and Urban Development by President Tinubu as putting a round peg in a round hole.

In a statement on TEXEM’s website (www.texem.co.uk), Caroline Lucas, TEXEM’s Director of Special Projects, says Dangiwa is also a worthy alumnus of TEXEM, having participated in one of its past programmes, “Leading with Personal Impact During Slow Growth, ” held in March 2020.

Lucas recalls Dangiwa’s journey from an accomplished architect and academic to the former CEO/MD of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) and now as the Minister of Housing and Urban Development.

She asserted that the accomplishments are proof of the new Minister’s dynamic ability to shape the course of urbanisation in Nigeria.

“Dangiwa’s tenure at the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) is a hallmark of his visionary leadership.

“His mobilisation of an additional N279 billion in contribution to the National Housing Fund (NHF) scheme speaks volumes about his dedication to fostering sustainable housing solutions.

“Taking the helm when only N232 billion had accrued over 25 years, he mobilised an astounding N279 billion in additional contributions, averaging N55.8 billion per annum,” Lucas said.

She said Dangiwa’s monumental achievement is a testament to his strategic acumen and ability to galvanise resources towards a greater cause.

Lucas said the new Minister’s accomplishments extend beyond financial milestones, as he initiated and championed the N40 billion FMBN Cities Project, aiming to revolutionise urban living and enhance community well-being.

She added that Dangiwa’s advocacy for the ordinary Nigerian led to innovative measures, including developing the Diaspora mortgage loan and empowering overseas Nigerians to own homes without fear of exploitation.

“Under his guidance, FMBN achieved a record disbursement of N175 billion for affordable housing loans and construction finance.

“Providing NHF mortgage loans to nearly 6,000 beneficiaries and offering home renovation loans to over 77,000 individuals showcase his commitment to enhancing the lives of Nigerians through accessible and affordable housing solutions.

“The provision of affordable housing units nationwide has made a significant impact in addressing the housing deficit in the country,” Lucas said.

The TEXEM Director says Dangiwa’s accomplishments have been acknowledged and celebrated nationally and internationally.

“From being named “Real Estate Personality of the Year” in 2021 to receiving the “Mortgage Banker of the Year” award and Presidential Award for Vocational Service 2021.

“His accolades are a testament to his unwavering commitment and outstanding contributions to housing and urban development.

“His awards range from recognition for his transformative impact to his advocacy for empowerment and disability inclusion, showcasing a well-rounded dedication to community welfare,” Lucas stated.

Furthermore, Caroline Lucas said that “Dangiwa’s appointment should serve as a clarion call to TEXEM and its community of executives.

“First, this appointment is a testament that the organisation is living its values- Insights that inspire and actions that change the world.

“Secondly, it is a reminder of the impact TEXEM alumni can have on the nation and the world when they apply the knowledge and skills they’ve acquired through TEXEM’s programmes”.

Saying the achievement is not just a personal milestone for Dangiwa she added that it represents the calibre of individuals TEXEM nurtures and their transformative impact in their respective fields.

“Thus, it’s a personal victory and a collective success story underscoring the importance of continuous learning, networking, and leadership development,” Lucas said.

Also, in the statement, the British-Nigerian founder of TEXEM, Dr Alim Abubakre, said Dangiwa is a reputable alumnus of TEXEM.

Abubakre recalled that while participating in the leadership development programme of TEXEM in 2020, the new Minister demonstrated impressive humility, a commendable commitment to lifelong learning and a remarkable willingness to collaborate with others.

“Congratulations, Architect Ahmed Dangiwa, on your well-deserved appointment as a Federal Minister!

“Your compelling strategic leadership, lofty achievements and journey as an alumnus have brought you here, and we trust you’ll use this role to create a brighter future for society and consolidate your impact. Keep reaching for new heights!” he said.

Abubakre said that Dangiwa’s appointment as the Minister of Housing and Urban Development is a source of pride not only for him but for TEXEM and the entire nation of Nigeria.

“It underscores the transformative power of education and the immense potential within each TEXEM alumnus.

“Let us celebrate this achievement and look forward to the positive changes and innovative solutions that will emerge under Dangiwa’s leadership.

“TEXEM believes that it is part of its good corporate citizenship to inspire leaders like Ahmed Musa Dangiwa and trusts this appointment inspires others to aspire to excellence, leadership development, good governance, nation building and the pursuit of lifelong learning,” Abubakre said.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria