Since its inception in 2016, hosted as a prestigious gala event, the FORBES WOMAN AFRICA Leading Women Summit has been a platform bringing together a unique collection of female leaders and trail-blazers from across Africa and the world. Held a year after the first reported COVID-19 case in South Africa in March 2020, the summit will reflect on the most disruptive period in recent history through the collective anecdotes and shared experiences of contrarians and corporate powerhouses, also recording for posterity the measurable solutions that will reset Africa. Hosting this year’s summit has meant adapting to the ‘new normal’ by embracing the latest technology. So, in honour of International Women’s Day, the 2021 FORBES WOMAN AFRICA Leading Women Summit, presented by Mastercard, will be held for the first time, as a free-to-attend virtual event and across two days, March 8 and 9,anticipated to draw an audience of more than 2,000 attendees from across the world. This year’s theme, Africa Reloaded: The Power of The Collective, will, through hard-hitting talks, fireside chats and insightful panel sessions, look back on the year that changed everything, but look forward to a new path of recovery, growth and inclusivity on the continent, as a single market where Africa trades with Africa. “This new vision can be achieved only by harnessing the power of the collective and by collaborating as equal stakeholders in the financial and digital economy. The FORBES WOMAN AFRICA Leading Women Summit has been a much-anticipated calendar event for the last five years, and this year too, will attract globally renowned thinkers and doers,” says Renuka Methil, Managing Editor of FORBES WOMAN AFRICA. Beatrice Cornacchia, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Communications at Mastercard Middle East and Africa said: “Gender equality is a core priority at Mastercard. This is why we are proud to partner with FORBES WOMAN AFRICA Leading Women Summit for the second consecutive …
An increased focus on spectrum is about national importance and pride
An increased focus on spectrum is about national importance and pride To say that South Africa is under significant pressure to find a way to accelerate economic growth is an understatement. Once the strongest economy on the continent, it has been reduced to a fragment of its former self with growth figures struggling to reach over 1% in some quarters. Added to this is the Covid-19 pandemic which forced Government to impose a hard lockdown of the economy to prevent the spreading of the pandemic. This had a devastating impact on the economy and has left many South Africans tentative about what the future holds. Learning lessons Like South Africa, many countries around the world have begun the hard task of trying to rebuild their economies. Many regions have learned one lesson from the Pandemic - there is a need to embrace the Gig Economy. “It is important that South Africa does not ignore this lesson,” says Vuyani Jarana, Mobax Group Chairperson, “we have seen how Covid19 has redefined the notion of work being where people go to being what people do. The home has emerged as the new office. Technology has made the world easier, and if employees can use technology to do their jobs, entrepreneurs can use technology to improve their lives.” The logistics industry has just been rebirthed with online retailers accessing customers online and delivering customers’ orders to the home. New distribution value chain intermediaries are starting to pickup on the opportunities. Key to this opportunity in the logistics sector is the availability of reliable quality data networks as well as penetration of digital currency or “digital payments” to facilitate online ordering and tracking of delivery as well bill settlement. Low cost transport system to deliver the goods as part of the overall ecommerce ecosystem is critical, that is where the opportunity for youth entrepreneurship through low cost motor bike delivery vehicles exist. Environmentally friendly or “green …
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UK hosts African Ministers to first ever UK-Africa Renewable Energy Ministerial Symposium
…. to bring together leaders to explore diverse opportunities in the renewable energy industry. The UK's Department for International Trade (DIT) on Friday, 3rd December 2020, hosted the first ever UK-Africa Renewable Energy Ministerial Symposium to deepen UK-Africa collaboration in the renewable energy sector. Bringing together British and African leaders, the symposium created a platform to exchange best practices, align objectives, and explore bilateral opportunities in the renewable energy industry. The virtual symposium brought together several energy ministers, international energy companies, investors and financiers across Africa along with the UK Minister for Exports Graham Stuart MP. Attended by over 300 participants across Africa, with attendees hailing from regulatory bodies, key private sector players and UK companies, the event was received as a great opportunity for collaboration and exploration of the larger opportunities in the sector. Her Majesty’s Deputy Trade Commissioner for Africa, Alastair Long, opened the event and laid out the agenda which included a country prospect overview from Ministers across Africa, three panel discussions and two presentations. Giving an opening remark at the symposium, the UK Minister for Exports Graham Stuart welcomed all the participants and highlighted the UK's collaboration with Africa in the renewable energy industry. In his words “I am delighted and proud of our Government for hosting this symposium, which highlights the UK is working hand in hand with African leaders in the renewable energy space. Our discussions were fruitful and enlightening, and helped us illustrate how African nations can harness UK finance, investment, technology and grant opportunities to further their goals. This is in line with the UK’s hosting of COP26 next year, for which we are committed to increase our climate ambitions and to galvanise and inspire climate action across the world.’’ The panel discussion kicked off …
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Trustco slips more than 30 positions on the JSE Top 100
Trustco Group Holdings has slipped more than 30 positions amongst the top performing companies on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE). Windhoek, Namibia., December 2, 2020 -- Trustco Group Holdings has slipped more than 30 positions amongst the top performing companies on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE). The Sunday Times Top 100 Companies in South Africa were announced at an hour-long online event, published by BCX. The event was presented online as a result of social-distancing initiatives implemented by the South African government in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Trustco’s Deputy CEO, Quinton Z van Rooyen, said that, “Trustco always strives for maximum value creation for our shareholders, and even though the group has performed better on the JSE during previous years, we are still proud to be the only Namibian company awarded on this platform. While this year may have had its fair share of setbacks, we are confident that we in future will deliver the returns on investment our shareholders are accustomed to.” Trustco performed significantly better at these awards in previous years. The group cemented its reputation of excellence with consistent rankings in the Top Ten by being second in 2015, with top ten rankings in 2016 and 2017. Trustco Group also belongs to a small set of elites that have achieved Royal Status, a mark of consistent achievement only awarded to companies who have placed in a Top 20 position for three consecutive years. This year Trustco Group ranked number 37 out of the more than 400 JSE listed companies under consideration. The group has continued in its 2020 growth strategy after adjusting to the economic consequences of the global pandemic. In keeping with its commitment to the economic welfare of all stakeholders, its focus on securing long-term sustainable growth in value continued unabated. The group responded to the extremely challenging times with initiatives such as securing new funding lines and restructuring …
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Nissan appoints Japan Motors as vehicle assembly partner in Ghana
All new Nissan Navara to be assembled in Accra, Ghana ACCRA, Ghana (Nov. 24, 2020) – Nissan has appointed longtime partner Japan Motors Trading Co. as its local partner in an all-new vehicle assembly facility in Accra. The appointment is a result of the 2018 memorandum of understanding between Nissan and the government of Ghana to lay the foundation for a sustainable automotive manufacturing industry in the country. The first model to be assembled at the new facility will be the all-new Nissan Navara pickup, unveiled by Nissan earlier this month. Nissan has a long heritage within the pickup segment and the new model will be produced to specifications created for the African market. The continued development of Nissan’s African manufacturing base is a key part of the company’s regional midterm strategy under the Nissan NEXT global transformation plan. Once operational, the Ghana facility will add to Nissan’s existing African production capacity at plants in South Africa, Egypt and Nigeria. The announcement demonstrates Nissan’s ongoing commitment to investing in Ghana, as well as the expansion of the country’s automotive sector through the Ghana Automotive Development Policy. “Ghana presents a great opportunity for investment, partnership and growth for Nissan,” said Shinkichi Izumi, managing director of Nissan Africa South. “Establishing a long-term automotive industrial development policy will provide investors with further confidence, boost the local economy and create jobs. We look forward to the continued partnership as Japan Motors officially begins assembling Nissan vehicles in Ghana.” Construction of the new facility is already underway, as are the recruitment and appointment of new employees, skills development and technical training to share and apply Nissan’s global quality production standards. “Japan Motors sees great potential in Ghana,” said Salem Kalmoni, managing director of Japan Motors. “We’re thrilled to make this …
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Disability Rights Awareness Month – Encouraging Building Owners to Prioritize Emergency Evacuation Safety
JOHANNESBURG, 13 November 202011 September 2019: Just before 01:00 on the 14th of June 2017, a fire broke out in the kitchen of a fourth floor flat at Grenfell Tower, a 23 storey tower block in North Kensington, West London, in the United Kingdom. Within minutes, the fire had raced up the exterior of the building and then spread to all four sides. By 03:00, most of the upper floors were well alight. 72 people died. – In an inquiry heard last week, a fire safety expert said engineers had a “duty” to consider how disabled residents would have evacuated Grenfell Tower, an inquiry heard on last week. Dr Barbara Lane’s comments came in response to questions about a 2012 report from fire safety consultants Exova. The report, done before Grenfell’s refurbishment, was said to lack detail on how people with mobility issues could escape the building in an emergency. At least 22 disabled people lived above the 10th floor of the 24-storey building at the time of the fire. - In raising awareness for the rights of disabled people and encouraging the development of more accessible built environments for people with disabilities, let us not forget to prioritize their safety. South Africa commemorates National Disability Rights Awareness month annually from the 3rd of November to the 3rd of December. The month long campaign carries weekly sub-themes which are reflected in the Medium Term Strategic Framework (2019-2024) of government. The following sub-themes are intended to focus conversations on priority areas identified by the disability sector, which also link to the seven priorities of government: Week 1: Children and young people with disabilities empowered to chart their own destiny through access to quality lifelong learning Week 2: A built environment accessible to all persons with disabilities Week 3: Persons with disabilities as equal players in building inclusive economies Week 4: Children and women with disabilities – feeling and being safe as equal …
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Eskom CEO answers tough questions on first day of Digital African Utility Week on 24 November
Enabling private sector participation in the energy and water sectors During this year’s opening session of the Digital African Utility Week and POWERGEN Africa on 24 November, Eskom CEO André de Ruyter will open up about his time so far at South Africa’s state utility, his plans to achieve financial and operational stability for the organisation, the future of coal in the sector and how he wants to attract private sector investment in order to pivot to renewable energy. “Having the CEO of Africa’s largest utility open African Utility Week and POWERGEN Africa has become a proud and honoured tradition for us, and for Eskom, as we have been in a formal partnership for many years,” says a delighted Chanelle Hingston, Group Director, Power & Energy for event organisers Clarion Events Africa. She adds with a smile: “So, if you will pardon the expression, we are stoked to have André de Ruyter in conversation with leading CNBC Africa journalist Fifi Peters as a definite highlight on our agenda for this year’s digital programme.” “An ongoing theme for our thought leadership this year is ‘Africa’s transitioning energy sector’ with particular focus on the opportunities of private sector participation in the power and sector.” She continues, “through our ongoing engagement and communication with the industry this has repeatedly been raised as an important focus. “We also have inspiring sessions on small scale hydro opportunities in East Africa, career opportunities in the energy sector, re-imaging the digital utility and a water-focused digital dialogue on public-private partnerships as an alternative procurement method in the sector.” Going digital The Digital African Utility Week and POWERGEN Africa is the 20th edition of this flagship event, which was postponed earlier this year because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Says Hingston: “At the time we promised our regular attendees, partners and clients an inspired and inspiring online platform with …
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BREAKING NEWS! POSTPONED: 2020 Motul Roof of Africa
Following consultations this week with representatives of the Lesotho Government and the Lesotho Sports and Recreation Commission (LSRC), Live Lesotho has been advised that Lesotho will remain in a level 3 lockdown indefinitely. This decision is based on the concerns surrounding a possible second wave of COVID-19 infections. Due to these necessary restrictions, the 53rd edition of the “Mother of Hard Enduro” has therefore been postponed until 2021. “We are aware of how disappointing this news will be to riders and their teams, but unfortunately the current situation has not stabilised enough and there is simply too much uncertainty surrounding the pandemic at present. We owe it to everyone involved, and especially the people of our host country, Lesotho, to ensure that the Motul Roof of Africa does not present any additional COVID-19 risks. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee that in the current circumstances,” commented Charan Moore, Managing Director of Live Lesotho. Live Lesotho has communicated this decision to the event sponsors. The title sponsor, Motul, has indicated that they fully support the postponement of the 53rd edition of the Roof of Africa until next year, by when it is hoped that there will be a much greater degree of certainty surrounding the pandemic and any ongoing precautions required to contain it. Moore thanked the sponsors, riders, LSRC, LORA and Live Lesotho team members for their support and for the hard work that has already been invested into the 53rd edition of the Motul Roof of Africa. He committed to channelling this collective positive energy into making the 2021 Motul Roof of Africa the best yet. Live Lesotho further announced that all riders who had secured and paid for a place in the 2020 event can carry this forward to the 2021 edition at no additional cost. Alternatively, they can opt for a full refund. The confirmed dates for next year’s event will be 3 – 6 November 2021, so riders and Enduro fans can add those …
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Michael Cassidy – Celebrated for Dedication to Christian Evangelism and Ministry to Leaders in Africa and for the Role he Played in South Africa’s Peaceful Transition in 1994 Dr. Cassidy established African Enterprise in 1961 to address pressing issues on the continent through evangelism
HILTON, SOUTH AFRICA, October 22, 2020 -- Michael Cassidy has been included in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process. Michael Cassidy founded African Enterprise in 1961 and built and served in this ministry for almost 60 years. He is an evangelist, a respected and loved Christian leader, statesman and author. He has conducted evangelistic missions all across Africa & overseas in Latin America, Australia, USA, Ireland and Israel. He is the author of numerous books, his latest being his memoirs, Footprints in the African Sand. He is known as a reconciler and played a key "behind the scenes" role in South Africa's miraculous first democratic election in 1994 about which he wrote a book entitled A Witness Forever. He addressed the South African situation in two other books entitled The Passing Summer and The Politics of Love. Overall, on a political level, Michael has been very involved in behind-the-scenes facilitation of initiatives, which have brought together a wide spectrum of political leadership in dialogue. In 2009, Michael received a Peacemaker Award from Christians for Peace in Africa who then invited him to become their patron. He received other awards from Rotary International and the Anglican Church. He has had the privilege of addressing a number of influential figures, including British parliamentarians and members of the House of Lords, European parliamentarians, members of the diplomatic corps and officials of the European Commission and NATO in Brussels, as well as 300 Irish and Northern Irish leaders. He also met with former President Robert Mugabe, present President Emmerson Mnangagwa and Zimbabwean government ministers and the Ugandan and Ghanaian governments in Kampala and Accra …
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Emirates Skywards hits the 20-year mark with over 27 million members
Dubai, UAE: 19 October 2020 – Emirates Skywards, the award-winning loyalty programme of Emirates and flydubai, has marked 20 years of excellence, innovation and unmatched rewards. Over the past two decades – the loyalty programme has continued to grow its membership base by offering value and rich, personalised experiences to its members around the world. The programme has continually invested to diversify its brand partnerships, and utilise innovative digital technology, so that it can offer its members across the globe with more ways to earn and enjoy rewards, conveniently and via new touchpoints. From a million members in 2005, to 27 million members in 2020 The loyalty programme has 27 million members worldwide, of which, more than 32,000 are founding members who joined the programme in 2000 and are still active. In celebration of its 20th anniversary, Emirates Skywards is offering members double Tier Miles on any flight booked by 10 December, for travel until 31 March 2021,* while founding members can earn double Tier Miles and double Skywards Miles on any flight booked by 10 December, for travel until 31 August 2021* Emirates Skywards members come from more than 180 countries, including: 3.5 million members in the United Kingdom, 2.7 million in the United States, 2 million in Australia, 1.9 million in India, and 1.9 million in the United Arab Emirates. Offering more flexibility, choice, and ways to earn on the ground Emirates Skywards has expanded its range of partners over the past 20 years to create new, exciting and exceptional value offerings for its diverse membership base. The loyalty programme currently has nearly 200 partners, including: 16 airline partners; more than 100 hotel partners; 33 financial partners, 22 retail and lifestyle partners, 7 car rental partners. Earlier this year, the loyalty programme launched skywardsmilesmall.com – introducing over a thousand new ways to earn Miles while shopping online with popular UK and US …