09 October 2024, Johannesburg – Everything is ready and set for the opening of the Mapungubwe Institute for Strategic Reflection’s (MISTRA) upcoming international conference, titled: Thucydides Trap or Orderly Multipolar World? Challenges and Opportunities for Africa. The event is being hosted in partnership with the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES), the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China and the Consulate General of India, and will take place in Sandton from 10 to 11 October. The conference will bring together prominent scholars and policymakers from Africa and beyond, and will according to MISTRA researcher Dr Laurence Caromba, develop strategic African responses to emerging global challenges, and discuss global issues from an African perspective. Attendees will consider the possible risks the continent faces as a result of the re-emergence of interstate wars on and off the continent, rising international trade conflicts, the lack of cooperation on important global issues and challenges, and the growing potential for a massive war that could subsume most states of the world. The ‘Thucydides Trap’ describes a situation where a rising power causes fear in an established power, leading to tension and, often, conflict. Such tensions can escalate into open warfare if these relationships are not managed carefully. The goal of the conference is to consider policy recommendations on how African states should respond to global uncertainty in a manner that benefits the people of the continent. Increased intra-African integration and cooperation is one example of a constructive response. MISTRA’s Executive Director, Joel Netshitenzhe, will open the conference with his keynote address, followed by presentations by other event partners. The first day will also feature two panel discussions titled: ‘Africa in an Age of Power Transition’ and ‘Geo-Economics and International Cooperation in a Divided World.’ Day two will feature an address by Honourable Ronald …
Gumtree SA Introduces Pay & Ship – The Game-Changing Secure Payment & Delivery Solution
1 September 2024, Cape Town, South Africa - Gumtree South Africa (Gumtree SA) has once again revolutionised the online classifieds experience, this time with the launch of Pay & Ship, a secure payment and delivery solution. By prioritising user safety and convenience, this innovative development reinforces Gumtree's commitment to being the country's ‘most trusted online buying and selling platform’. With the recently launched Pay & Ship, users can enjoy a seamless transaction process, complete with shipping insurance to cover any loss or damage during transit. This means buyers and sellers can engage with total confidence, knowing their transactions are protected. “Online shoppers have come to expect a smooth and easy shopping experience where they can buy an item online, pay online, and get the item delivered,” says Simon Armstrong, Lead Product Manager, Gumtree South Africa. “With Pay & Ship, this is now possible on an online classifieds site.” Collaborating to bring this project online, Gumtree has partnered with TradeSafe and Pargo to facilitate payment and delivery respectively. TradeSafe, in operation since 2015 with management oversight by Standard Bank, is South Africa’s most trusted digital escrow service, having facilitated over half a billion transactions. Pargo is Gumtree’s delivery partner and is South Africa’s leading click-and-collect solution, with over 4000 Pargo Points nationwide. “By integrating secure payment and efficient delivery systems, as well as insurance for parcels lost or damaged in transit, Pay & Ship ensures that both buyers and sellers can engage with complete confidence, making every transaction convenient and secure,” concludes Armstrong. “This initiative reflects Gumtree SA’s commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction, setting a new benchmark for the industry and reinforcing its position as a leader in the online classifieds space.” What Pay & Ship Offers: Pay securely on Gumtree …
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Cinema attendance surges on back of strong content
The recent surge in cinema attendances, on the back of strong content, has seen average weekly cinema attendances more than double over the past four weeks According to Eric Blignaut, National Sales Manager at Ster-Kinekor, these numbers were driven largely by three top-performing titles: Bad Boys: Ride or Die, Inside Out 2 and Despicable Me 4, which together have also raked in over R60 million at the box office, to date. “It is satisfying to see a big shift in audience numbers, thanks to a selection of great content that’s appealing to different audience profiles. For our advertisers, it’s further validation of their investment in the channel,” comments Blignaut. “We all know cinema audiences have fewer distractions and are thus far more engaged with the content unfolding on the screen. Lumen’s Centre of Attention study translates what this means for our advertisers: they now have an audience that’s paying more attention to their message on the big screen than on any other video platform. And this is particularly true for longer format ads! So, for marketers tracking ‘completed views’ in an effort to engage with their customer more cost effectively, advertising in cinema is the optimum channel to deliver exactly that.” With a slate of excellent titles being released over the second half of this year and into 2025, SK Sales is confident that this positive attendance trend will continue well into the new year. “What is exciting is the wide variety of films in different genres set for release on circuit, ensuring there really is something to appeal to everyone across our diverse audience profile,” says Blignaut. Opening in cinemas over the next few weeks, movie lovers can look forward to Twisters, Long Legs, Fly Me to the Moon, It Ends with Us, and the much-anticipated Deadpool & Wolverine. “It's all about Beetlejuice in September, with the sequel to ‘Joker’, Joker: Folie À Deux, which sees Joaquin Phoenix reprising his role as the Joker, and …
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Five reasons why “moral regeneration” failed in South Africa
Piet Naudé is a former Professor of Ethics at Stellenbosch Business School and currently a Director of Quality Services at the European Foundation for Management Development (EFMD) The month of July is appropriately designated as “Moral Regeneration Month” as it relates to the birthday of Nelson Mandela on 18 July. As newly elected president of South Africa in 1994, Mandela quite rightly understood that we cannot move from apartheid into a new constitutional dispensation without a fundamental moral re-orientation. Two years later in 1996, core values were incorporated into the Preamble to our Constitution. After a Moral Summit in 1998, the Moral Regeneration Movement (MRM) was launched in April 2002. Its work led to the Charter for Positive Values adopted also in the month July, 2008. There is no doubt that we made certain moral gains, specifically related to the acceptance of a democratic dispensation based on free and fair elections. But the overwhelming evidence is that the laudable moral regeneration efforts by the MRM and others did not produce the expected results. Moral regeneration is a multi-faceted and complex process. To simplify, I note five reasons why moral regeneration in South Africa mostly failed over the last 30 years: 1. A general and fatal mistake in ethics is the assumption that well-formulated moral statements will guarantee an improvement in ethical compliance. Enormous energy is spent on fine-tuning values statements, codes of conduct, declarations of intent, and charters of all sorts. But for these to have any effect, they must be accompanied by clarity about expected behaviours which are demonstrated consistently by competent and ethical leaders with immediate social or legal sanction in case of deviations. Where values are not embedded in culture and conduct, the distance between feel-good statements (including a constitution) and the reality on the ground becomes very difficult to bridge. Over 30 years, South …
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South Africans Demand Accountability And Unity From New Government
Afrika Tikkun calls for the Government of National Unity to ensure accountability and serve national interests. 03 July 2024, Johannesburg, South Africa: – Responding to President Cyril Ramaphosa’s cabinet announcement, South Africans are demanding that the newly established historic coalition government must close the door on exploitation, delivering tangible change to a nation crippled by greed, corruption, and poverty. Marc Lubner, Executive Deputy Chairperson at Afrika Tikkun, issues a pressingly stark call, "South Africa has spoken. The Government of National Unity (GNU) reflects the collective desire of our people to ensure that those in power serve national interests rather than personal agendas. South Africa (SA) will no longer tolerate actions that undermine our nation's potential," says Lubner. "Parliamentarians who choose to ignore the growing impetus of SA’s young people do so at their own risk as these are the individuals who will be voting in the next election. The time is now to put our issues and greed aside and work together for the benefit of us all," he adds. Lubner highlights that the inauguration of the diverse and representative GNU holds the potential to restore our nation's promise and reclaim the vision of Madiba. “This is not just rhetoric; it's our blueprint for survival and success on the global stage. It is SA’s opportunity to reignite the pursuit of equality and prosperity for all, and a chance to build a future where every citizen can thrive, not only for ourselves but for future generations," says Lubner. The critical role of collaborative governance Lubner has long advocated for collaboration between civil society, government, and the private sector to address the roots of poverty, inequality, and unemployment. He stresses that established, robust public-private partnerships, are not optional but essential to address SA’s most pressing socioeconomic challenges and create employment. "By bridging the public and …
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Prioritising the reduction of economic exclusion for enhanced economic growth
Dr Nthabiseng Moleko is an economist at Stellenbosch Business School: Since 1994 the South African government has employed market friendly policies in an investment led growth strategy. Yet South Africa has averaged 1.2% GDP per capita growth over the last three decades, faring particularly poorly in the last decade by contracting -0,25% in per capita GDP growth. Despite concerted efforts made at Investment summits and policy imperatives to crowd in investment, announcements, and commitments we are unable to move the needle. South African Reserve Bank recorded FDI net inflows of R96.5 billion in 2023, an estimated 1.3% of GDP. A considerable 36% decline from R151 billion reported in 2022 at 2.3% of GDP, revealing capital inflows remain inconsequential to drive up growth. In 30 years, we have not met the required investment inflows of 25% to GDP for the economy to surpass the low growth trap and reach the required 5.4% GDP growth rate we set out as a target in the National Development Plan. Gross fixed capital formation plummeting in similar fashion with both public and private sector investments contracting to 12% of GDP in 2023 from a high of 18% GDP in 2008, the highest in the post-apartheid period. Dishearteningly, the Centre for Competition Regulation and Economic Development reported that institutions in the top 50 JSE listed firms have hoarded cash reserves amounting to R1.4 trillion in 2016 (increasing from R242 billion in 2005). These reserves not invested in the South African economy have been termed an investment strike. Denoting that firms have chosen to retain profits and wealth, and accumulate reserves, choosing not to increase investment during half of the post-apartheid democratic period firms have not invested domestically and have chosen accumulation or capital flight. The economic system and policies adopted by the state over the past 30 years from GEAR, AsGISA, NGP and the current NDP have been at the helm of investment led growth …
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NMB Church Leaders call on politicians to put voters first
South Africa is at another crossroad, and it is the responsibility of the politicians who the voters have entrusted with the responsibility of improving the lives of all South Africans to do what is morally right. We, the church leaders of Nelson Mandela Bay, urge the political parties to focus on the needs of the people rather than their own quest for power. We remind the politicians that they were voted into power on the promise of tackling the related evils of poverty, inequality and unemployment. Now is the time to deliver on those promises. The church holds all politicians individually and corporately as political parties responsible for prioritising the needs of South Africans instead of their personal and party agendas. NMB Church Leader Network Bishop Eddie Daniels: Anglican Church of SA (Gqeberha Diocese) Bishop Vincent Zungu: Catholic Diocese Gqeberha Bishop Dr William Leleki: Bishop of the Methodist Church of SA (Makhanda District) Apostle Neville Goldman: Ebenezer International Reverend Danie Mouton: Director Synod Eastern Cape DRC Dr Dave Pedersen: National Director Vineyard Churches SA Reverend Themba Mahuwa: Chairperson of the SACC NMB Metro Branch Bishop Zola Moses: NMB Metro Religious Leaders Desk Pastor Victor Befile: Motherwell Ministers Fraternal Pastor Tyrone Strydom: Church in Action (Northern Areas) Plus, on behalf of 16 independent church leaders and other heads of church denominations Here are the names of the 16 independent church leaders and other heads of church denominations. Pastor Patrick Douglas-Henry: Regional Leader EC AFM Pastor Mark Scholtz: Harvest Christian Church Pastor Daan Botha: Harvest Christian Church Archbishop Sanwabo Hoyi: African Catholic Church Pastor Richard Crompton: Word of Faith Ministers International Apostle Kenny Nonkonyana: House of Light Ministries Dr Bukelwa Hans: G.RA.PE Senior Pastor Lingelihle Jadeweni: RUCC-Gqeberha Reverent Andile George: Moderator Presbyterian Church …
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The Future of Gumtree SA is Local
June 2024 , Cape Town, South Africa -Since late 2022, Gumtree SA has been entirely SA-owned for the first time. “Becoming locally-owned, hosted and controlled has been a significant strategic boost for Gumtree South Africa (SA)”, says Marcus Badach, Chief of Staff at Gumtree South Africa. “This localisation and the resultant agility have made a huge difference to us at Gumtree; positioning ourselves as a marketplace deeply rooted in local needs and nuances, differentiates us from our international counterparts and impacts our daily operations and the future of the business.“ Gumtree's transition to being completely South African owned is a strategic move that reinforces its commitment to the local market. By focusing on local ownership and operations, Gumtree aims to empower South Africans, support SMEs, and enhance the online trading experience with a platform that understands and caters to the unique needs of its users. This local focus is poised to not only benefit Gumtree but also contribute to the broader growth and development of South Africa's digital economy. “While we knew that Gumtree is a great brand and one of South Africa’s most-visited websites, what we’d totally underestimated, was the positive response from people wanting to work at Gumtree,” Badach continues. “When people found out that we were an entirely SA-owned company, we started getting a lot more interest from potential employees who were keen to move to Cape Town and be a part of the Gumtree SA story. We now also have the budget and scope to employ these people, which benefits the local job market and economy.” Badach explains the Benefits of the Local Focus We have created a more supportive environment for job creation and support of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which are the backbone of the South African economy. As one of South Africa’s largest online classified marketplaces, we have evolved into a vibrant community where sellers are able to build a brand and …
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Digital tool created to address online misinformation during SA elections
Tales of Turning – an organisation which harnesses research, social media, and technology for good – has partnered with the Center for an Informed Public at the University of Washington, and the Media Forensics Hub at Clemson University to conduct a field experiment focused on preventing mis- and disinformation over South Africa’s election period. Digital tool created to address online misinformation during SA elections One of the biggest threats to modern democracy is the sharing of rampant misinformation and disinformation, particularly over the election period. South Africa has experienced the real-world danger of such false news with the 2021 riots, and the 2024 General Elections brought this to the spotlight once more. Tool to challenge misinformation One collaborative effort is leveraging digital tools as a way to challenge mis- and disinformation. The research aims to assess the influence of Tales of Turning’s digital dialogue facilitation methodology in a real-world setting, providing insights into where this approach is most effective. The work follows a series of laboratory studies led by researchers at the Center for an Informed Public, testing key aspects of the dialogue facilitation teams’ intervention around the South African 2021 local government elections. The results show that most users are less likely to trust information when an online user questions its validity. User comments that contain ‘truth queries’ – questions drawing attention to the truth of the information – can reduce belief in the information and diminish the intent to share potential mis- or disinformation. These ‘truth queries’ actually reduce trust in the original content poster. Researchers found a variety of similarly effective replies that could address the sharing of false information. “The results of these studies provide promising evidence that Tales of Turning has developed a flexible, easy-to-implement strategy that may be effective in addressing a …
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Post-election Reflections and Scenarios Conference GQ
Do you want a deeper understanding of the outcome of the 2024 General Election? RICI will be hosting a conference entitled POST-ELECTION REFLECTIONS AND SCENARIOS on Wednesday 19 June, at the Bishop’s Lodge Conference Centre in Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth) and streamed. The May 29 general election presents the country with many firsts, including the near certainty of a coalition government, independent candidates, and several new parties. There are bound to be interesting outcomes, and serious implications for the country. One thing that is clear is that there will have to be changes in policy and implementation if the lot of ordinary South Africans and all sectors of the economy are to improve. The conference will feature a cross-section of South African political, economic, and social analysts dissecting the outcomes of the election, from the politics of coalition, to impacts on the economy, on society, the environment, and foreign relations. The Conference is intended for a broad mix: Business people, government officials, academics, researchers and analysts, and professionals. For more information contact: Ed Richardson on 083 656 9757. Or via email, to: conferenceorganiser@riciconference.co.za Video: Post-election Reflections and Scenarios Conference GQ Boilerplate and Editor's Notes. More Info on Post-election Reflections and Scenarios Conference GQ here: Twitter: https://twitter.com/Siyathetha Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SiyathethaCommunications/ CLICK HERE to submit your press release to MyPR.co.za. …