Steady increase of piracy and sea crimes in African waters in focus at Cape Town event Some 600 maritime and naval experts are to meet in Cape Town from 25-27 November to discuss the price of piracy in Africa and the institutional and technical solutions available during the annual Maritime & Coastal Security Africa conference and exhibition. It is the largest maritime defence and security event on the continent. African navies restructuring long-term strategies Says event producer Tracey-Lee Zurcher: “the high profile of Somali piracy and the gross proliferation of piracy in West Africa over the past year have brought the issue of African maritime security to the attention of world leaders. In a response to this, African navies are restructuring their long-term strategies to include frequent littoral maritime patrols in high risk piracy zones. Over and above the proactive response from the African maritime defence industry, shipping companies, the oil and gas sector and high-traffic African ports are also actively taking precautions.” She continues: “secure ports and trade lanes are also quintessential to the development of African economies as 90% of trade in and around Africa is seaborne. With a steady increase of piracy and sea crimes around the Gulf of Aden and the Gulf of Guinea affecting ports, trade lanes and the economies of surrounding countries, amplified maritime security for ports and shipping lanes has become a focus area for these entities.” What does poor maritime security cost each year? – Piracy off the Horn Of Africa costs the industry approximately $7-$12 billion per year – Piracy off West African coastline has escalated dramatically in the past year, costing the shipping and offshore industry $1.2 billion in past year – 851 seafarers attacked and pirates are currently holding 589 hostages – Illegal fishing off the African coastline is costing the industry approximately $1 billion per year Securing African sea and trade …
Thousands visit Career Indaba in Cape Town in search of jobs, study options and career advice
Amazon specifically looking to fill 400 seasonal positions “There is an immense need for career guidance in South Africa”, says South African Airways’ Head of Talent and Performance, Renchia Strauss. She was speaking from the company’s stand at the Career Indaba that took place at the CTICC in Cape Town this week. Some 2000 school leavers, learners, students, job seekers, teachers and parents walked the exhibition floor to meet the 46 companies, universities and colleges and attend free workshops focused on career choice and finding a job. Says SAA’s Renchia Strauss: “I saw that young people have a hunger for information. My message to them is: you have to start planning your career much sooner than in matric.” SAA’s stand was a popular one with school leavers and students alike and the airline was keen to show that working at an airline was more than just being a pilot or flight attendant. Renchia Strauss explains: “we wanted to create an aviation awareness amongst the South African youth. We also used Career Indaba as a platform to inform them of the diverse career opportunities SAA offers.” Lack of career advice Career Indaba director Claire O’Connell agrees: “there is a lack of career advice and many young people will pick the stereotypical jobs when you ask them what they want to be - a doctor, lawyer, engineer…. But they don’t realise that the subject choices they have already made may prevent them from fulfilling these dreams. They can become disillusioned and we wanted an opportunity to show them there are so many other options available to them.” She continues: “it has been inspiring to see such a variety of visitors to the very first Career Indaba in Cape Town. The event is a huge success every year in Sandton so it was logical to bring it here this year. We have had some 2000 high schools learners, university students, job seekers, parents and teachers through the doors. The workshops were particularly popular, ranging from topics such as how …
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Top South African companies looking to hire at Career Indaba in Cape Town this week
“This event really makes a difference in the lives of young people” Thousands of school leavers, learners and students are expected at the Career Indaba in Cape Town this week where some of the top companies in the country, including South African Airways, Amazon, Food Lovers Market, PIC, Transnet, Cape Nature, Peninsula Beverage Company and MINTEK are looking to recruit. Career Indaba takes place at the CTICC in Cape Town from 12-13 September and entry is free. All school leavers, learners, students and their parents are welcome at the event where they can also meet with top further education colleges and universities, attend dozens of workshops with practical advice on career choices, finding a job and writing a CV. Just some of the expo floor highlights at Career Indaba: • South African Airways are doing a workshop: “Ndizani: Gaining Altitude in your Career” at the show on Friday 13 September from 11h30-12h00. South African Airways is Career Indaba’s gold sponsor. • The Bartenders Workshop is doing some cool flaring demos throughout the show, between workshops. • False Bay College are exhibiting and will have a demo car on site to promote their engineering and mechanical faculties. There will also be yummy cooking demonstrations at their stand. • Curriculum Vitae: there will be several workshops on how to put together a professional CV. • Job interviews: dedicated workshops will give sound advice on how to make that good impression during a job interview. • The Fashion industry: fashion students have the opportunity to meet The Platinum Group and speak to them about job opportunities. • Study abroad? Near East University is a Turkish university, based in Cyprus, looking for SA students. • Amazon will be running an interactive workshop! • Gap Year? Speak to Gap Year providers like CC USA and STA Travel. • Study loans: Eduloan will be at Career Indaba to speak to students and their parents about loans and bursaries. • Good with numbers: SAICA are …
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Special wish wall for Nelson Mandela at African Education Week and Career Indaba in Sandton
President Mandela has always had a special place in his heart for children. A wall where expo visitors can write a personal message to former President Nelson Mandela has been constructed at the African Education Week and Career Indaba that is starting at the Sandton Convention Centre tomorrow. Dr Mamphela Ramphele, leader of Agang SA, will deliver the keynote address during the opening session on Thursday morning, 20 June at 09h00. More than 7000 teachers and learners are expected at the seventh annual African Education Week and Career Indaba which end on Saturday 22 June. The events form the largest meeting and trading platform of its kind on the continent for everyone who is passionate about improving the standard of education in Africa. The conference will focus on topics such as STEM* education, improving FET colleges and the role of social media and technology in the classroom. The events also offer teachers free, practical courses to improve their classroom and technical skills and learners can attend talks on career choices and how to find a job after matric. *STEM=Science, technology, engineering, mathematics Happy birthday Madiba The special wish wall for Mr Mandela is a large 2 x 4m stretched canvas, with the heading: “To Nelson Mandela: Thank you Madiba” and will be displayed on the expo floor of the Career Indaba, which more than 5000 learners and students are expected to visit this week from Thursday. All visitors are welcome to write a message to the former South African president and human rights legend. Says programme director Claire O’Connell: “everyone knows that former President Mandela has always had a special place in his heart for children. Even before Mr Mandela was admitted to hospital, we were going to have a wall so that everyone could wish him a happy 95th birthday on 18 July. Now that Mr Mandela is unwell, we have even more reason to show that we are all thinking of him and send him positive messages of support and to …
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Dr Mamphela Ramphele welcomes teachers and learners at African Education Week and Career Indaba on Thursday
Dr Mamphela Ramphele, leader of Agang SA, will deliver the keynote address during the opening of African Education Week at the Sandton Convention Centre this Thursday, 20 June at 09h00. Thousands of teachers and learners are expected at the seventh annual African Education Week and Career Indaba taking place from Thursday 20 June until Saturday 22 June. The events form the largest meeting and trading platform of its kind on the continent for everyone who is passionate about improving the standard of education in Africa. The conference will focus on topics such as STEM* education, improving FET colleges and the role of social media and technology in the classroom. *STEM=Science, technology, engineering, mathematics All teachers are welcome The events also offer teachers free, practical courses to improve their classroom and technical skills and learners can attend talks on career choices and how to find a job after matric. Earlier, Dr Ramphele said her message at the event will be that “educators have a sacred duty to nurture talent and inspire every child to become, from all aspects, the best human being possible!” Joining Dr Ramphele for the opening session are education experts: - Graeme Bloch, independent education expert - Gavin Keller, a veteran education analyst and development activist - Johannes Cronjé, Dean of Informatics and Design Cape Peninsula University of Technology - Louise van Rhyn, Executive Director of Symphonia Says African Education Week’s programme director Claire O’Connell: “we are committed and passionate about helping to improve and change how teaching and learning take place in classrooms across Africa. I want to invite all teachers to come along to African Education Week’s Learning Expo and attend more than 60 free workshops on the expo floor and learn from our expert speakers and from each other. A wide variety of topics are covered, from engaging students in science and maths, to applying the latest technology in …
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African Education Week and Career Indaba offer free, practical workshops for teachers and learners
Thousands of teachers and learners are expected at the seventh annual African Education Week and Career Indaba at the Sandton Convention Centre from Thursday 20 June until Saturday 22 June. The events offer teachers practical courses to improve their classroom and technical skills and learners can attend talks on career choices and how to find a job after matric. All expo visitors are urged to pre-register online. Says African Education Week’s programme director Claire O’Connell: “we are committed and passionate about helping to improve and change how teaching and learning take place in classrooms across Africa. I want to invite all teachers to come along to African Education Week’s Learning Expo and attend more than 60 free workshops on the expo floor and learn from our expert speakers and from each other. A wide variety of topics are covered, from engaging students in science and maths, to applying the latest technology in the classroom.” Career Indaba Entrance to the Career Indaba expo is also free and aims to bridge the gap for students between studying and entering the world of work with presentations on career guidance in a variety of fields, job interview and CV writing tips, celebrity appearances and much more. All grade 11 and 12 learners, university and college students and their parents are welcome at Career Indaba. Talks are offered on a variety of career paths, including the entertainment industry, theatre, fashion, printing, the wine and hospitality sector and management accounting. Learners can also attend workshops on how to choose the right career, how to apply for bursaries and hear celebrities such as 5FM’s Sureshnie Rider and DJ Fix and singer Chad Saaiman share their success stories. Parents also very welcome “I want to urge parents to encourage their kids to pre-register for Career Indaba and come along as well”, says Claire O’Connell,” the expo is open until Saturday 22 June. Moms and dads will find the free workshops very …
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African Education Week moderator Graeme Bloch: “Education is not an employment bureau for adults”.
Free, practical workshops for teachers at the Learning Expo “African Education Week provides a platform to air problems and find solutions: such platforms are very important. We have to talk; we have to hear each other. This is the only way to decide on priorities, to agree on solutions, to find real pathways to real quality.” So says independent education specialist Graeme Bloch and moderator of this year’s African Education Week opening session on 20 June at the Sandton Convention Centre. The leader of Agang SA, Dr Mamphela Ramphele, is the keynote speaker. Graeme Bloch is a regular contributor to the event: “It is the discussions, the meeting of colleagues, the wide input of stakeholders and the practical orientation that keeps bringing me back to African Education Week.” Now in its seventh year, it remains the continent’s leading educational resources and training event, attracting more education professionals than any other event. The conference programme addresses challenges in Basic as well as Further and Higher Education and the Technology Indaba focuses on the increasingly important roles of technology and e-learning in the classroom. Main challenge: to get our schools working Asked what made him smile and what made him worry regarding South African education, Bloch states: “The kids are what make me smile, their energy and optimism. They will fly if we let them. Education is not an employment bureau for adults.” He continues: “the main challenge is a big one: to get our schools working. We need better accountability from politicians and government; better teaching; fair and more resources to fight poverty. Jobs for our young people. It will not be easy or quick: we have to do it: parents, community and teachers working with government.” The event is increasingly becoming pan-African, with an international panel discussion part of this year’s programme: Discussion theme: “Developing more effective school and higher education …
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iPads, cell phones and other gadgets are the future tools of learning
African Education Week and Career Indaba to gather more than 5000 people in Johannesburg in June With free learning content increasingly becoming available through open access digital platforms, there is growing pressure on the lecturer at higher education institutions to re-think the way they present learning opportunities. “The world is changing and there are different ways of gaining knowledge. Information is immediately available through the internet that can be accessed through iPads, smartphones and laptops”, says Prof Johannes Cronjé, Dean of Informatics and Design at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT). He is part of an impressive line-up of speakers at the 7th African Education Week Annual Convention and Learning Expo to be held at the Sandton Convention Centre from 20 – 22 June. This year’s theme is “Building future leaders in education”. Agang SA leader Dr Mamphela Ramphele will deliver the keynote session. Teach learners how to find information Cronjé who is also part of the opening session will also participate in a panel discussion on ‘E-learning in action’, says “we need to discard the old idea that the professor is the fount of all knowledge. The challenge now is for academics to make an effort to teach learners how to find information and how to design knowledge and learning packages that are relevant to them.” However, although there is an increasing reliance on content that can be accessed online, Adele Botha, principal researcher at CSIR Meraka believes that the classroom of the future will look the same but it will act differently. “The fundamentals of teaching will never change. Younger people want to learn from older people and those they identify as role models. But they want to learn differently. The lecturer has to become the person who pulls together the different forms of social media as tools of acquiring knowledge. The lecturer will also increasingly encourage students to create media that is suitable to …
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Dr Mamphela Ramphele to speak at African Education Week in Johannesburg in June
Science teacher inspired Dr Ramphele “to work hard and believe in myself” “Educators have a sacred duty to nurture talent and inspire every child to become, from all aspects, the best human being possible!” – Dr Mamphela Ramphele, leader of Agang SA, says this will be her message when she delivers the keynote address during the opening session at the upcoming African Education Week at the Sandton Convention Centre on Thursday, 20 June. African Education Week programme director Claire O’Connell says: “we are extremely honoured to have Dr Ramphele at our event. Particularly since the theme this year is ‘Building Future Leaders in Education’, it is very apt for such an inspirational figure as Dr. Ramphele to address the people who directly serve and influence the learners and students of South Africa. Dr Ramphele’s exceptional example of leadership has been witnessed throughout her formidable career in education, politics, medicine and business.” The African Education Week Convention and Learning Expo is the meeting and trading platform for everyone who is passionate about improving the standard of education in Africa. Now in its 7th year, it remains the continent’s leading educational resources and training event, attracting more education professionals than any other event. Science teacher inspired her: Dr Ramphele says she had one particular teacher at school who inspired her: “My science teacher, Mr Gouws. He encouraged me to work hard, to listen attentively and to believe in myself.” She says the most important thing that needs to change in South African education today is “raising the level of expectations of what we are capable of: our children, teachers and citizens should ensure that mediocrity is relegated to history!” Her thoughts on this year’s theme of African Education Week, ‘Building Future Leaders in Education’: “Make every child matter and ensure through interaction and encouragement that they become the best people they …
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Practical solutions to energy challenges for industry at African Utility Week and Clean Power Africa
“Overalls are optional” “The operative word this year is definitely ‘practical’ and there simply is no substitute for onsite experience”, says a very excited African Utility Week event director Russell Hughes. “I want to invite our expo visitors to come and get their hands dirty while earning some valuable CPD points – overalls are optional!” Some 5 000 power & water professionals from all over the continent will attend Africa’s leading power & water exhibition and conference at the Cape Town International Convention Centre from 14-15 May, where power utility Eskom CE Brian Dames will once again deliver the keynote address. By the industry, for the industry Says Hughes: “We have had extensive consultations with the utility industry, associations such as CESA, SAIEE, SAICE and SAIMechE, and the leading solution providers, and it is clear there is a real need for practical information and hands on training, based on real life projects, case studies, development and research.” He continues: “We offer a tailored selection of 60 free to attend technical workshops which offer 1 CPD accreditation point per day. They will offer practical take home solutions, demonstrations and practice installation opportunities for electricians, engineers and other power professionals in the metering, water, transmission and distribution, smart grids, hydro and renewable energy sectors. These workshops allow companies to up skill their teams in two focused days and help to increase productivity, energy efficiency and become more aware of what is available in the market in terms of technology and other solutions.” Exhibitor highlights include installations by ADC Energy, ZEST, Powertech, Schneider Electric, Gamesa, AEG, Solar World, Andritz, Cummins, Itron, Bentley Systems and Eskom’s Grid Access Unit. Up to 2 CPD credits can be earned by attending the technical workshops on the African Utility Week expo floor with topics including: • Generation/Transmission …