PLENTY OPPORTUNITIES FOR SOUTH AFRICAN BUSINESSES IN TAIWAN

PLENTY OPPORTUNITIES FOR SOUTH AFRICAN BUSINESSES IN TAIWAN  

There are plenty opportunities to explore in Taiwan for the South African companies, particularly those operating in the agro-processing and jewellery sectors. 

The Director-General of the Department of International Cooperation in Taiwan said this, Mr I-Min Tong says

Tong was addressing business delegates at the Trade and Investment seminar organised by the Department of Trade and Industry, (the dti) in Taipei, Taiwan today as part of the second leg of the Outward Selling and Investment Mission (OSIM) that started yesterday.

“South African agricultural products, especially wines and grapes, are very popular in Taiwan. This has been the case for a number of years which has seen Taiwan increasingly importing most of these products from South Africa,” said Tong. 

He added that the export of finished products from South Africa to Taiwan did not mean that Taiwan and South Africa could not collaborate in the food processing industry in particular.

“Taiwan has advanced technology when it comes to food processing and the exchange of skills and technology can assist South Africa to be on par with other countries and develop its agricultural processing industry further,” added Tong.

Tong said he believed that the OSIM would generate more bilateral cooperation that would create more trade and investment opportunities for South Africa and Taiwan.

The Chief Director for International Trade and Economic Development at the dti, Mr Victor Mashabela said the department was meeting with the Ministry of Economic Affairs in Taiwan during the OSIM to deepen bilateral trade relations.

Mashabela said the economic consultation meetings focussed on cooperation on a number of sectors including the ones represented in the OSIM, and strengthening investment promotion for Taiwan and South Africa.

“The economic consultation with Taiwan will give South African businesses more options and opportunities when they want to enter and explore the Taiwanese market,” said Mashabela.

The SA delegation will visit different sites tomorrow in and around Taipei covering various sectors which represented by the delegation. These include ago-processing, jewellery and the automotive sectors.

MPUMALANGA COPS CLEAN THEIR THROATS FOR ANNUAL POLMUSCA UNITY FESTIVAL

MPUMALANGA COPS CLEAN THEIR THROATS FOR ANNUAL POLMUSCA UNITY FESTIVAL

By BRIAN KAJENGO 

The South African Police Service in Mpumalanga will be hosting an Annual POLMUSCA Unity Festival where the province’s regional choirs; Gert, Ehlanzeni and Enkangala; will be competing in preparing for  the National POLMUSCA Unity Festival which will be held in North West Province during September 2014.

The aim of the POLMUSCA festival is to promote, develop and administrate music, art and cultural activities within the South African Police Service and the community we serve.

It is against this motive that the Provincial Commissioner, Lt Gen Thulani Ntobela invites the media to bless this magnificent event which will take place at Word of Life in Shatale near Bushbuckridge, Mpumalanga

Memorial Service for Mpumalanga taxi accident victims to be held

Memorial Service for Mpumalanga taxi accident victims to be held

Mpumalanga Government in collaboration with the community of Kabokweni and other stakeholders will hold a Memorial Service for the eleven victims of a taxi (minibus) accident.

The taxi which was travelling from the Plaston Road towards the R40 turn off leading to Nelspuit lost control and overturned on 25 July 2014 leaving eleven people dead and five injured.

The memorial service will begin with a prayer by different religious groups at the R40 Road where the accident occurred at 9:00. This according to the Pastors’ fraternity will prevent further accidents from occurring on that road.

The main memorial service will take place on Thursday 31 July 2014 at Nsikazi Stadium

Meanwhile the Funeral Service will be held at the same venue on Sunday 3 August 2014 from 07h00.

THAI AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY KEEN TO DO BUSINESS WITH SOUTH AFRICA

THAI AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY KEEN TO DO BUSINESS WITH SOUTH AFRICA

 BY BRIAN KAJENGO

The Thailand Automotive Parts Manufacturers Association (TAPMA) has shown interest in partnering and forming joint ventures with their South African counterparts in order to grow the sector in both countries.

 This expressed by the President of TAPMA, Ms Achana Limpaitoon during the visit of the South African business delegation to the Thai automotive body parts manufacturers, Somboon Advanced Groups Plant and Summit Auto Body Plant outside Bangkok, Thailand yesterday.

The site visit was organised by the Department of Trade and Industry (the dti) in conjunction with TAPMA as part of the Outward Selling and Investment Mission (OSIM) led by the department. 

Limpaitoon committed to future collaborating with South African automotive exporters. She said the Thailand Automotive Industry had gone through years of a challenging struggle but had managed to achieve noticeable successes.

“The industry is now going for higher regional and global competition, and I do hope for more collaboration in future for Thailand and South Africa,” added Limpaitoon.

Limpaitoon said she believed this visit would lead to exchange of ideas, transfer of skills and technology that would benefit Thailand and South Africa.

The Managing Director of a Durban based company Microfinish, Mr Deshan Naidoo, who took part in the site visit, said there were plenty of opportunities for partnerships and joint ventures both in Thailand and South Africa. 

“The technology currently used in the Asian market is at an advantage and has improved over the years. This is what we want to take advantage of and learn from our counterparts,” said Naidoo, whose company manufactures automotive valve guides and valve seat inserts.

Naidoo added that the partnership will allow them to improve their international competitiveness and give them an opportunity to market their products in other markets.

During his budget speech earlier this month, the Minister of Trade and Industry Dr Rob Davies said the automotive sector formed part of the key sector identified job drivers in the country and that the Department has allocated R7, 9bn for capital expenditure through the Automotive Production Development Programme (APDP). 

Caption: South African business delegation visiting the Summit Auto Body Industry in Bangkok, Thailand.

the dti TO HOST ECONOMIC POLICY DIALOGUE

the dti TO HOST ECONOMIC POLICY DIALOGUE

 by BRIAN KAJENGO

The Economic Policy Dialogue on Industrial Policy in South Africa focuses on: Successes and Challenges that hosted by the Department of Trade and Industry (the dti) on Thursday 31 July 2014 at Gallagher Estate, Midrand.

Mr Seeraj Mohamed, the Director of Corporate Strategy and Industrial Development at Wits, and Mr. Saul Levin, the Head of Research and Policy Strategy at Trade and Industrial Policy Strategies (TIPS), will share the platform, views and ideas on the topic.

Mohamed is an academic, economist and writer with more than 20 years experience in economic, industrial and finance development.

He is involved in a number of progressive international networks working on economic development and finance. He has been active in the research and formulation of economic policies for South Africa since 1994.

 He is a member of the executive committee of the Global Labor Universality (GLU) and teaches a core course in the GLU Masters Programme.

 He was appointed special advisory to the Minister of Trade and Industry in 2010.  He was a member of the Board of Directors of the Development Fund of the Development Bank of Southern Africa.

Levin holds a Masters Degree in Industrial Sociology from the University of Witwatersrand, with his thesis on small business development.

 He was previously a chief director in the Economic Development Department (EDD) with oversight of the Development Finance Institutions reporting to EDD, including the Industrial Development Corporation and the Small Enterprise Finance Agency.

As part of his responsibilities he oversaw the merger of the small business finance entities and ran several projects to support small business development.

The dti has been hosting these sessions to primarily stimulate intellectual discourse on contemporary issues pertaining to the South African economy.

SA BUSINESSES EXPLORE INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES IN TAIWAN

SA BUSINESSES EXPLORE INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES IN TAIWAN

By BRIAN KAJENGO

The South African delegation comprising of eighteen businesses have arrived in Taiwan for the second leg of the Outward Selling and Investment Mission (OSIM) supported by the Department of Trade and Industry (the dti).

The OSIM which started in Thailand will continue in the City of Taipei from today till Friday 1 August 2014.

The OSIM aims to assist in building relationships between South African and Taiwanese companies and increasing knowledge of both markets over an extended period of time.

The business delegation will again participate in various business-to-business meetings, site visits and trade and investment seminars.

Welcoming the business delegates to Taiwan, the South African Head of Mission in Taiwan, Mr Musawenkosi Aphane said trading and investment opportunities were plenty in Taiwan.

“”The minimum availability of natural resources in Taiwan creates an opportunity for most businesses to seek ventures in Taiwan, especially in the co-operation of small businesses, agro-processing and Special Economic Zones.” He said.

He also encouraged all sectors to make use of this opportunity and learn from their business counterparts in Taiwan.

Sectors targeted for this OSIM are agro-processing, jewellery and automotive components sectors.

KHOLWANE DONATES FURNISHED HOUSES TO TWO (2) DESTITUTE MBOMBELA FAMILIES

KHOLWANE DONATES FURNISHED HOUSES TO TWO (2) DESTITUTE MBOMBELA FAMILIES

Mbombela – Two (2) destitute families in Clau Clau outside Mbombela are the beneficiaries of fully furnished houses donated by the MEC for Finance, Economic Development and Tourism, Mr Sikhumbuzo Eric Kholwane on Monday, 28 July 2014, as part of celebrating the Mandela Month.

Speaking during the hand-over of the houses to the Lukhele and Mthethwa families, MEC Kholwane indicated that “the donation is done to pay homage to Tat’uNelson Mandela who spent his entire life fighting for humanity. He has encouraged us to make an imprint in the lives of those less fortunate. Today we have now brought back the dignity of the Lukhele and Mthethwa families. The fully furnished houses we are handing over today are a sign that the ANC-led government continues to care about the plight of its people”.

The houses were constructed and furniture supplied through the partnership with the two (2) Public Entities of the Department of Economic Development and Tourism, namely, MEGA (Mpumalanga Economic Growth Agency) and MGB (Mpumalanga Gambling Board).

“I am very excited about what the caring ANC government represented by the Honourable Kholwane has done for me and my family. I do not have many words to express my excitement. All I can say is to wish the ANC government all of the best in their quest to better the lives of the people. This is exactly what Madiba had wished for”, exclaimed a jubilant unemployed Ms Trudy Lukhele who stays with three (3) children.

Ms Lukhele and her family were living in a dilapidated and unsafe wooden house with her three (3) children.

The second beneficiary of the furnished house, Ms Leah Mthethwa, who is also unemployed and staying with seven (7) grand-children, could also not hide her excitement when she was handed the keys by Ms Mpumalanga 2014, Natasha Do Santos, in the presence of MEC Kholwane and CEOs of MEGA and MGB, Advocate Boyce Mkhize and Mr Bheki Mlambo, respectively.

“The ANC government has made me a person today. They have restored my dignity and I am very excited about the donation of this house. They bought us beds, sofas, a fridge, a television, duvets and other house items. Thank you very much Honourable Kholwane for touching our lives. God bless you and the ANC government”, said Ms Mthethwa.

Meanwhile earlier in the day, MEC Kholwane and his team took some time to re-paint eleven (11) class rooms at the local Mhwayi Primary School as part of spending 67 minutes in recognition of the selfless contribution made by former President, the late Dr Nelson Mandela.

“Education is the best gift you can ever give to a child hence it must be done in a conducive environment. Our appreciation goes to the CEO of the MTPA, Mr Jacques Modipane, who has ensured that the paint is available for this exercise, and we believe that this will go a long way in contributing towards creating an environment conducive to learning. Together we move South Africa and Mpumalanga forward!” added Mr Kholwane.

Speaking after the 11 class rooms at the 46-year-old school were re-painted, the school’s Principal, Ms Merriam Zulu who has been with the school since 1974 expressed her appreciation for the contribution made by the MEC and the Department.

“I believe that the learners will now perform better given the refreshed environment they will be learning under. Thank you very much Honourable MEC for listening to our plea. Today our school looks much better and refreshing”, said Ms Zulu.

Extravaganza show to make Sandton live

SUNDAY 24th AUGUST at 3pm and 6.30pm

The South African Guide-Dogs Association for the Blind will be hosting their Gala Variety Concert at the Auto & General Theatre on the Square on Sunday 24 August.

The sought-after annual event has drawn together many of the finest entertainers for a music and comedy extravaganza.  The star-studded line-up will be truly historic, with more leading performers this year on one stage, than ever before.  There will be two shows only at 15h00 and 18h30.

The stars of the show have kindly given of their time and talents free of charge, and entire proceeds of ticket sales will benefit S.A. Guide-Dogs for the Blind.  To add to the generous spirit, Daphne Kuhn is proud to host the event at the Auto & General Theatre on the Square, with their amenities, staff and services also provided pro bono.

Producing the sensational concerts will be Chet Diepraam, joined by Claire Pacariz. “Using the same winning concepts of the Leading Ladies and Leading Men extravaganzas at the same theatre, we will treat Joburg audiences to the most remarkable line-up of entertainment variety never before seen on local stages,” adds Chet. “The finest available, some established and some new, performing their signature, show-stopper numbers, for one day only! It’s to be a concert that the discerning Jo’burg public dare not miss!"

Confirmed stars include:
Samantha Peo (Award winning performing artist for roles including Chicago, Cabaret and Aspects of Love)
Keith Smith (Hello Dolly, Aspects of Love, Egoli)
Kate Normington (Mama Mia, Phantom of the Opera, Hairspray, Menopause the Musical, Tomfoolery, Two in the Bush)
Carly Graeme (Mamma Mia, We Will Rock You, Starlight Express, Boys in the Photograph)
Mark Banks (One of SA’s most respected comedians, Comedy Choice Lifetime Achievement Award)
Michael de Pinna (Master of Ceremonies, funny man, of Yebo Gogo fame, singer, screen and stage actor, Twilight of the Golds)
Cat Simone (local and international singer and pianist whose shows include Cat on a Hot Black Steinway, Cat’s American Songbook and tributes to Barbra Streisand and Ella Fitzgerald)
Timothy Moloi (Velvet voiced star that performs with big orchestras, recently the genie in Aladdin)
Cito (Front man of Wonderboom, also lead in Queen at the Ballet and Jesus Christ Superstar)
Brenda Sakellarides (The Sound of Music, King and I, Menopause, and director of Youth Ballet)
Kiruna Devar (Lead in Sweet Charity and star of Leading Ladies concert, top achiever at the NSA)
Fiona Ramsay (Iconic actress and singer,with film credits that include Hotel Rwanda, Bang Bang Club)
Tony Bentel (pianist and entertainer extraordinaire, also of Doo Bee Boobies fame)
Helen Desbois (SAMA nominee and MTN Radio Award winner, We Will Rock You)
Bongi Mthombeni  (Idols SA finalist and Panto star, session musician and conductor)
Holly Diamond, aka Neil Holland (One of The Dreemz drag trio, better than Celine Dion herself)
Live music with the dynamic Sandton Jazz Sextet, featuring Andre Behnke (piano), Nippy Cripwell (Double Bass),
Tony Yoko (Drums), Pam Mortimer (Alto saxophone and Flugelhorn), Albert Burger (Guitar) and Philip Stapelberg (Harmonica).
There will also be special guest artist appearances by legends of SA stage and music
Annabel Linder, Judy Page and Des & Dawn Lindberg.


Daphne Kuhn, director of The Auto & General Theatre, enthused “We are excited to host some of SA’s finest and most known artists,
all rallying together for this fundraiser for the SA Guide-Dogs for the Blind.”

Parking is available at the Mandela Square or Sandton City Parkades.

There will be two shows only: 3pm or 6.30pm. There will also be raffle, with a new car as first prize.

BOOKINGS:
Tickets for the spectacular variety concert are R250
and are available by calling Strictly Tickets on 082-553-5901 or online www.strictlytickets.com

THE EARLIEST BIRD CATCHES THE BIGGEST FISH

Extravaganza show to make Sandton live

SUNDAY 24th AUGUST at 3pm and 6.30pm

The South African Guide-Dogs Association for the Blind will be hosting their Gala Variety Concert at the Auto & General Theatre on the Square on Sunday 24 August.

The sought-after annual event has drawn together many of the finest entertainers for a music and comedy extravaganza.  The star-studded line-up will be truly historic, with more leading performers this year on one stage, than ever before.  There will be two shows only at 15h00 and 18h30.

The stars of the show have kindly given of their time and talents free of charge, and entire proceeds of ticket sales will benefit S.A. Guide-Dogs for the Blind.  To add to the generous spirit, Daphne Kuhn is proud to host the event at the Auto & General Theatre on the Square, with their amenities, staff and services also provided pro bono.

Producing the sensational concerts will be Chet Diepraam, joined by Claire Pacariz. “Using the same winning concepts of the Leading Ladies and Leading Men extravaganzas at the same theatre, we will treat Joburg audiences to the most remarkable line-up of entertainment variety never before seen on local stages,” adds Chet. “The finest available, some established and some new, performing their signature, show-stopper numbers, for one day only! It’s to be a concert that the discerning Jo’burg public dare not miss!"

Confirmed stars include:
Samantha Peo (Award winning performing artist for roles including Chicago, Cabaret and Aspects of Love)
Keith Smith (Hello Dolly, Aspects of Love, Egoli)
Kate Normington (Mama Mia, Phantom of the Opera, Hairspray, Menopause the Musical, Tomfoolery, Two in the Bush)
Carly Graeme (Mamma Mia, We Will Rock You, Starlight Express, Boys in the Photograph)
Mark Banks (One of SA’s most respected comedians, Comedy Choice Lifetime Achievement Award)
Michael de Pinna (Master of Ceremonies, funny man, of Yebo Gogo fame, singer, screen and stage actor, Twilight of the Golds)
Cat Simone (local and international singer and pianist whose shows include Cat on a Hot Black Steinway, Cat’s American Songbook and tributes to Barbra Streisand and Ella Fitzgerald)
Timothy Moloi (Velvet voiced star that performs with big orchestras, recently the genie in Aladdin)
Cito (Front man of Wonderboom, also lead in Queen at the Ballet and Jesus Christ Superstar)
Brenda Sakellarides (The Sound of Music, King and I, Menopause, and director of Youth Ballet)
Kiruna Devar (Lead in Sweet Charity and star of Leading Ladies concert, top achiever at the NSA)
Fiona Ramsay (Iconic actress and singer,with film credits that include Hotel Rwanda, Bang Bang Club)
Tony Bentel (pianist and entertainer extraordinaire, also of Doo Bee Boobies fame)
Helen Desbois (SAMA nominee and MTN Radio Award winner, We Will Rock You)
Bongi Mthombeni  (Idols SA finalist and Panto star, session musician and conductor)
Holly Diamond, aka Neil Holland (One of The Dreemz drag trio, better than Celine Dion herself)
Live music with the dynamic Sandton Jazz Sextet, featuring Andre Behnke (piano), Nippy Cripwell (Double Bass),
Tony Yoko (Drums), Pam Mortimer (Alto saxophone and Flugelhorn), Albert Burger (Guitar) and Philip Stapelberg (Harmonica).
There will also be special guest artist appearances by legends of SA stage and music
Annabel Linder, Judy Page and Des & Dawn Lindberg.


Daphne Kuhn, director of The Auto & General Theatre, enthused “We are excited to host some of SA’s finest and most known artists,
all rallying together for this fundraiser for the SA Guide-Dogs for the Blind.”

Parking is available at the Mandela Square or Sandton City Parkades.

There will be two shows only: 3pm or 6.30pm. There will also be raffle, with a new car as first prize.

BOOKINGS:
Tickets for the spectacular variety concert are R250
and are available by calling Strictly Tickets on 082-553-5901 or online www.strictlytickets.com

SA TEXTILES COMPANY RETURNS WITH OVER HALF A MILLION RAND ORDER FROM ANGOLA

SA TEXTILES COMPANY RETURNS WITH OVER HALF A MILLION RAND ORDER FROM ANGOLA 

By BRIAN KAJENGO

Sesli Textiles, one of the South African companies which participated in the International Fair of Luanda Trade Exhibition (FILDA) that ended in Luanda, Angola yesterday, returned home with an order of blankets to the tune of R525 000 after signing a distribution deal with an Angolan company.  

The Regional Sales Manager of Sesli, Mr Erkan Dogru says he is optimistic that the distribution company will place more orders after it has established a client base in Angola.

“Our staff is already in the process of preparing this first order which we will be dispatching as soon as tomorrow. We are hopeful that our blankets will make an impression among Angolans and the company will return with another order pretty soon. Besides the confirmed order, we also had quite a number of promising enquiries at the exhibition in Angola,” adds Dogru.

According to Dogru, the Department of Police in Angola has expressed interest in purchasing about 100 000 blankets from Sesli, with the initial order of 45 000 blankets to be finalised and dispatched by the end of next month.

Sesli has a permanent staff complement of 150 employees and when it is winter they hire 50 casual staff.

“If we continue getting positive response like we did here, we will definitely increase the number of our employees. And we appreciate as a company the platform provided for us to expose our products to other countries,” adds Dogru.

The companies participated in FILDA financially supported by the Department of Trade and Industry (the dti).

SA TEXTILES COMPANY RETURNS WITH OVER HALF A MILLION RAND ORDER FROM ANGOLA

SA TEXTILES COMPANY RETURNS WITH OVER HALF A MILLION RAND ORDER FROM ANGOLA 

By BRIAN KAJENGO

Sesli Textiles, one of the South African companies which participated in the International Fair of Luanda Trade Exhibition (FILDA) that ended in Luanda, Angola yesterday, returned home with an order of blankets to the tune of R525 000 after signing a distribution deal with an Angolan company.  

The Regional Sales Manager of Sesli, Mr Erkan Dogru says he is optimistic that the distribution company will place more orders after it has established a client base in Angola.

“Our staff is already in the process of preparing this first order which we will be dispatching as soon as tomorrow. We are hopeful that our blankets will make an impression among Angolans and the company will return with another order pretty soon. Besides the confirmed order, we also had quite a number of promising enquiries at the exhibition in Angola,” adds Dogru.

According to Dogru, the Department of Police in Angola has expressed interest in purchasing about 100 000 blankets from Sesli, with the initial order of 45 000 blankets to be finalised and dispatched by the end of next month.

Sesli has a permanent staff complement of 150 employees and when it is winter they hire 50 casual staff.

“If we continue getting positive response like we did here, we will definitely increase the number of our employees. And we appreciate as a company the platform provided for us to expose our products to other countries,” adds Dogru.

The companies participated in FILDA financially supported by the Department of Trade and Industry (the dti).

SA TEXTILES COMPANY RETURNS WITH OVER HALF A MILLION RAND ORDER FROM ANGOLA

SA TEXTILES COMPANY RETURNS WITH OVER HALF A MILLION RAND ORDER FROM ANGOLA 

By BRIAN KAJENGO

Sesli Textiles, one of the South African companies which participated in the International Fair of Luanda Trade Exhibition (FILDA) that ended in Luanda, Angola yesterday, returned home with an order of blankets to the tune of R525 000 after signing a distribution deal with an Angolan company.  

The Regional Sales Manager of Sesli, Mr Erkan Dogru says he is optimistic that the distribution company will place more orders after it has established a client base in Angola.

“Our staff is already in the process of preparing this first order which we will be dispatching as soon as tomorrow. We are hopeful that our blankets will make an impression among Angolans and the company will return with another order pretty soon. Besides the confirmed order, we also had quite a number of promising enquiries at the exhibition in Angola,” adds Dogru.

According to Dogru, the Department of Police in Angola has expressed interest in purchasing about 100 000 blankets from Sesli, with the initial order of 45 000 blankets to be finalised and dispatched by the end of next month.

Sesli has a permanent staff complement of 150 employees and when it is winter they hire 50 casual staff.

“If we continue getting positive response like we did here, we will definitely increase the number of our employees. And we appreciate as a company the platform provided for us to expose our products to other countries,” adds Dogru.

The companies participated in FILDA financially supported by the Department of Trade and Industry (the dti).

RELATIONSHIP-BUILDING IS KEY TO EXPLORING INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES IN THAILAND - AMBASSADOR MARKS

RELATIONSHIP-BUILDIN

G IS KEY TO EXPLORING INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES IN THAILAND - AMBASSADOR MARKS

Relationship-building and tapping into new markets keys to exploring investment opportunities in Thailand and the rest of the South-East Asian region. The South African Ambassador to Thailand, Ms Robina Marks said this at the South Africa-Thailand Trade and Investment opportunities seminar which hosted by the Department of Trade and Industry (the dti) in Bangkok, Thailand today.

The seminar attended by more than hundred businesspeople, focused on how trade and investment opportunities that exist in both countries be explored by businesspeople from South Africa and Thailand.

Ambassador Marks said building relations with key investors and other businesspeople would assist South African businesses in getting a clear view on how their products and services received in the South-East Asia markets.

“The presence of local chambers in this investment seminar indicates a willingness from the Thai to support such initiatives and also encourages South African exporters in believing trade and investment opportunities are available in the country,” said Marks.

She also said South Africa was looking at doubling the trade that is currently skewed in favour of Thailand by 2015.

“South Africa has been a net importer from Thailand for the past decade, and this would not balance the ratio unless we emphasise beneficiation on all products that we export as South Africa,” added Marks.

Ambassador Marks urged delegates to build relationships that are manageable and fruitful in the long run so that both parties can benefit.

The Deputy Secretary-General of the Thailand Board of Investment, Mr Chokedee Kaewsang said investment and export promotion had placed on top of the Thailand government agenda.

Kaewsang said the Thai government was now looking at South Africa and the rest of Africa for trade opportunities that have growth potential.

“Thai investment policy now includes sectors such as agro-processing, which the country is looking at exports partners in order to service Thailand citizens better,” Kaewsang added.

The delegation will tomorrow visit different sites covering the various sectors in and around Bangkok that the South African delegation represents. These include agro-processing, jewellery and the automotive sector.

Caption: South African Ambassador to Thailand Ms Robina Marks with Ms Achana Limpaitoon, President of the Thailand Automotive Parts Manufacturers Association in Bangkok.

TWO COPS IN COURT FOR CORRUPTION

TWO COPS IN COURT FOR CORRUPTION

By brian kajengo

 Two corrpt police appear before the Nelspruit Magistrate Court facing allegations of corruption.

Constable Thulani Mathe (35), and Walter Nxumayo (32)’s appearance spiralled from an incident that took place on Saturday 26 July 2014, at the Groove Shopping Centre parking lot.

The two alleged to have solicited a bribe from an apparent drunk driver involved in an accident.  The members allegedly demanded R1000 in exchange for the driver’s freedom.

Mathe and Nxumayo apparently told the young man that he not tested for blood tests if he gave them the money.

The complainant paid the two corrupt cops R400 to which he was then allowed to go home with a promise that they will call him within an accident report number.

The complainant tips the White River K9 Unit. The member followed the two constables and managed to stop them and both vehicles drove to Nelspruit Police station.

The K9 member questioned and searched the constables but did not find the alleged R400.00 bribe. Another SAPS member at a level of Captain intervened and after preliminary investigations, decided to arrest the two constables for corruption. One of them who lost temper allegedly assaulted the Captain.

The Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Thulani Ntobela is perturbed about this alleged conduct of the two members.

“Police are by law expected to be exemplary to the public by upholding the law as they are the custodians. 

“It is unbelievable that police members solicited a bribe in exchange of freedom to someone who is alleged to have broken the law, let alone found driving under the influence of liquor because that can lead to fatalities on the roads. I perceive the allegations labelled against these members as serious,” said Ntobela.

Lt Gen Nobela also applauded the Captain who arrested the duo for taking a stand for the truth in assisting government in the quest to uproot corruption.

The suspects remanded in custody pending a bail application tomorrow 29 July 2014.

SA BUSINESS PEOPLE CALLED-ON TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES IN ANGOLA

SA BUSINESS PEOPLE CALLED-ON TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES IN ANGOLA

 The Angolan government has committed US$113 billion for transport and infrastructure over the next 20 years and US$3.97 billion in agricultural development amongst the key drivers of economic growth. This said by Joao Rocha of Termat Comecio Geral, a company comprising of a group of entrepreneurs with a mission of attracting and promoting South African goods and services in Angola.

Rocha was addressing the South African business delegation that is in Angola for the Angolan Feira Internacional de Angola (FILDA) trade exhibition in Luanda. The trade exhibition is currently taking place and will end today Sunday, 27 July 2014.

He called on South African businesses to invest in Angola adding that the country also has special programme of incentives for investment projects; agro-industrial processing, packaging and logistics targeted as sectors that will increase the value chain of local food production.

“Energy, water, construction materials, telecommunications, chemicals, mining and distribution are all projects where foreign investment is needed,” stated Rocha.

He cautioned that Faint-hearted businesspeople will get the going very tough in Angola as competition is very tough and there are hurdles that need to overcome when doing business in Angola. These include the long period of time that it takes to register a business in the country, cumbersome system and the high costs of formalising a business

Rocha highlighted that the top three leading countries that have established themselves in the Angolan market are United States of America, Brazil and China.

“Turkey and Spain currently are also having a strong presence in Angola, and we believe that South Africa going forward should have a strong presence too in the country,” indicated Rocha.

According to Rocha, close cooperation is critical in doing business in Angola, and South African companies should cooperate with each other in a form of value chain when supplying the market and should involve government when entering into business deals.

SA BUSINESS PEOPLE CALLED-ON TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES IN ANGOLA

SA BUSINESS PEOPLE CALLED-ON TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES IN ANGOLA

 The Angolan government has committed US$113 billion for transport and infrastructure over the next 20 years and US$3.97 billion in agricultural development amongst the key drivers of economic growth. This said by Joao Rocha of Termat Comecio Geral, a company comprising of a group of entrepreneurs with a mission of attracting and promoting South African goods and services in Angola.

Rocha was addressing the South African business delegation that is in Angola for the Angolan Feira Internacional de Angola (FILDA) trade exhibition in Luanda. The trade exhibition is currently taking place and will end today Sunday, 27 July 2014.

He called on South African businesses to invest in Angola adding that the country also has special programme of incentives for investment projects; agro-industrial processing, packaging and logistics targeted as sectors that will increase the value chain of local food production.

“Energy, water, construction materials, telecommunications, chemicals, mining and distribution are all projects where foreign investment is needed,” stated Rocha.

He cautioned that Faint-hearted businesspeople will get the going very tough in Angola as competition is very tough and there are hurdles that need to overcome when doing business in Angola. These include the long period of time that it takes to register a business in the country, cumbersome system and the high costs of formalising a business

Rocha highlighted that the top three leading countries that have established themselves in the Angolan market are United States of America, Brazil and China.

“Turkey and Spain currently are also having a strong presence in Angola, and we believe that South Africa going forward should have a strong presence too in the country,” indicated Rocha.

According to Rocha, close cooperation is critical in doing business in Angola, and South African companies should cooperate with each other in a form of value chain when supplying the market and should involve government when entering into business deals.

MINISTER DAVIES TO BRIEF THE MEDIA ON THE ENVISAGED OUTCOMES OF THE US-AFRICA LEADER SUMMIT AND AGOA FORUM

MINISTER DAVIES TO BRIEF THE MEDIA ON THE ENVISAGED OUTCOMES OF THE US-AFRICA LEADER SUMMIT AND AGOA FORUM

 President Jacob Zuma will lead a South African delegation to the first United States-Africa Leaders' Summit that will take place in Washington on 4-6 August 2014. During his Official Visit to South Africa last year, President Barack Obama announced that the U.S. will host the first ever U.S.- Africa Leaders’ Summit (USALS)  in 2014.

Minister Rob Davies will also participate in the African Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa) Ministerial Forum that will take place on the margins of the United States – Africa Leaders’ Summit. The AGOA Ministerial Forum takes place on a rotation basis between the US and the continent. Last year’s AGOA Forum took place in Ethiopia.  

Minister Davies will brief the media on South Africa’s participation in the United States-Africa Leaders’ Summit, the envisaged trade outcomes of the Summit, South Africa’s position on AGOA including the benefits, and trade and investment relations between South Africa and the US. This would take place on Monday, 27 July 2014 at GCIS Tshedimosetso House, 1035 Frances Baard Street (corner Festival Street) at Hatfield in Pretoria.

The Africa Growth and Opportunities Act (AGOA) is a non- reciprocal preferential scheme, which applies only to US imports from eligible Sub-Saharan Africa.  AGOA signed into law in 2000 and originally intended to run until 2008, however amendments in 2004 extended the deal until 2015.

African governments are strongly in favour of extending AGOA, while US President Barack Obama has offered his endorsement, saying that it represented good business for both Africa and America.

Minister Davies says AGOA is the cornerstone of bilateral relations between the United States and Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), as it provides the sole platform between the US and SSA to discuss ways and means to deepen trade and investment relations.