VETERINARY SURGEON KILLED, SUSPECT NABBED

VETERINARY SURGEON KILLED, SUSPECT NABBED

White River - Police in White River did not leave any stone unturned following a manhunt of perpetrator(s) responsible for the murder of a 46-year-old Veterinary Surgeon, Dr Rensia De Wet. The manhunt yielded positive result as it led to the arrest of a 30-year-old man.

The suspect arrested on Saturday, 13 December 2014, at approximately 12 noon at Kamagugu outside Nelspruit after police received information about his whereabouts. He swiftly nabbed while getting off a taxi.

Dr De Wet found in the early hours of Tuesday, 09 December 2014, half naked lying in the pool of blood in her bedroom at Yaverland, Nottinghill Equestrian Estate outside White River. She had stab wounds on her body and her house had ransacked.

The suspect appeared before the White River Magistrate’s Court today, 15 December 2014, facing charges of murder, rape and house robbery. He remanded in custody until 12 January 2014, pending a formal bail application.

The Acting Provincial Commissioner of Mpumalanga Major General (Adv) Meshack Nogwanya, has expressed his excitement following the speedy arrest of the suspect linked to the murder of Dr De Wet. “I commend the high level of professionalism, determination and dedication displayed by our detectives the way they handled this matter and brought the suspect to book. Crime against women and children is a priority to us as police and we support the campaign of no violence against women and children, therefore, we cannot allow such evil conduct to happen to them”, said the Acting Provincial Commissioner.

Department launches a Road Safety CD

Department launches a Road Safety CD

In an effort to enhance road safety in the province and the country as a whole, Mpumalanga Community Safety, Security and Liaison MEC Vusi Shongwe together with eleven (11) national artists have recorded a road safety song.  According to them, this song will go a long way to send messages to curb unnecessary crashed mostly caused by human error.

The launch is part of the ongoing Festive Season Road Safety activities and it is expected to further mobilize all sectors of society in the quest to create safer roads.

SANCO’S NATIONAL GENERAL COUNCIL CURRENTLY UNDERWAY AT EMPERORs PALACE

SANCO’S NATIONAL GENERAL COUNCIL CURRENTLY UNDERWAY AT EMPERORs PALACE

SANCO is currently having its National General Council (NGC), at the Emperor Palace which started on the 13 to 15 December 2014.  The NGC held under the theme “mobilising communities against poverty, inequality and underdevelopment”.

The NGC has graced with the presence and message of support from the Alliance delivered by the Deputy Secretary General of the ANC Cde Jessie Duarte, the Second Deputy General Secretary of COSATU Cde Bheki Nthasalintshali, and the Central Committee Member of the SACP Cde Arafat Mkhize.

                                        

The purpose of the NGC is, amongst others, process outstanding issues as mandated by the National Conference held in 17 - 19 January 2014 at Mthatha; receive and discuss the political and the state of the organisation report; at issues of legislature, governance and deepening democracy; and ultimately develop and adopt a program of action aimed at reposition SANCO as the centre of influence in society.

The post NGC media briefing shall be held on the 15 December 2014, at the Emperor Palace’s Conference Room at 12:00.  All members of the media are invited to cover the media briefing.  The National Office Bearers, led by the President of SANCO Cde Richard Mdakane, shall brief the media and the society on the on the posture and adopted program action of the Organisation for the next four years and beyond

Premier Mabuza gives a house to a 100-year old gogo

Premier Mabuza gives a house to a 100-year old gogo

It is festive season gifts galore for an Embalenhle Township Gogo, Dolly Kubheka, who on Friday [12 December 2014] was presented with a birthday cake and a house by Mpumalanga Premier David Mabuza when she celebrated her 100^th birthday.

Premier Mabuza was in Secunda to hand over 33 houses built by Sasol through his personal initiative, Kancane Kancane, of asking the business people to assist him build houses for the elderly, disabled and child-headed families.

Gogo Kubheka was a recipient of one the houses built by Sasol emanating from memorandum of understanding entered into by the Mpumalanga provincial government and Sasol in 2012. Sasol spent R13 million in building all 33 luxurious and upmarket houses in various areas surrounding the Govan Mbeki Local Municipality. Sasol built 17 houses at Embalenhle, 9 at Lebohang, 5 at Emzinoni, 2 at Kinross and all had built in toilets and had water and electricity.

During the house hand-over ceremony held at the Sasol Club near the plant, a relatively strong-looking 100-year old, Gogo Kubheka, stood up from her chair to hug the Premier and thanked him for her house saying she had been living in a shack with her children and grandchildren for the rest of her life.

She jokingly told the Premier that she did not want any children in her house as they would “untidy” the walls and would subsequently hide her belongings since she was old.

“This is the best gift ever since I celebrated my birthdays. This house is beautiful and is suitable for me; my question is what will I do with my children and my grandchildren? I cannot just give them away, they are mine and I love them, I guess I will have to bring all of them in, we will live together just like chickens,” said Gogo Kubheka.

Speaking at a handover at a Sasol Club House in Secunda, Premier Mabuza said the handover happened at an appropriate time when the country was still remembering the legacy of the late President Mandela who died in December.

“This is the right way to honour the late President. We thank Sasol for following in his footsteps by being selfless in improving the lives of some of our people without expecting any reward. We must all continue this journey to better our country by noting where we come from. It is upon all of us to avail ourselves and take part in building a united, prosperous and a democratic society that will enjoy all the freedoms we can think of.

“We must try to emulate the examples Tata Madiba left behind. Today’s event tells us that for a long time these grannies never had houses, they never had clinics or schools, and unfortunately some of them are now walking their last mile without these services.

“Today I find comfort in that before they leave this earth, they will have shelter they will call home. The rains that will come after today will never find them,” said Mabuza.

The Premier said apartheid left a very difficult legacy for the democratic government to fix in a short period of time as the “damage was too deep”. He said although the government was providing the services, it was not easy to solve all the problems.

“We don’t have an option, together with the business sector; we must try and come closer to the people who have been the recipients of this suffering. It is a reality that everyday there are millions of people who go to bed without food.

“Let us not get tired; what Sasol has done is a good cause. People must stand up and make a difference. The struggle for getting water, houses, jobs, electricity and roads continues. As a provincial government, we know why we are partnering with the private sector in giving the old people houses, it is because we have a past that we must correct together,” said Mabuza.

He said dealing with the legacy of the past was not about opening the wounds, but it was the history that could not be denied which needed all South Africans to carry and move forward.

“Each time when the sun rises, we must stand up and work together. Working with the government, Sasol has already restored the dignity of some of our people,” said Mabuza.

Managing Director of Quantum Global Research Lab appointed a member of Green Growth Knowledge Platform’s Advisory Committee

Managing Director of Quantum Global Research Lab appointed a member of Green Growth Knowledge Platform’s Advisory Committee

Nigerian born, Professor Kevin Urama, the distinguished academic and economist will shortly take a seat on the steering committee

GENEVA, Switzerland, December 15, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- Green Growth Knowledge Platform (GGKP) Steering Committee, the Global Green Growth Institute, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, the United Nations Environment Program, and the World Bank, appoints Prof. Kevin Urama, Managing Director of QGRL a member of GGKP's Advisory Committee.

Nigerian born, Professor Kevin Urama, the distinguished academic and economist will shortly take a seat on the steering committee of the Green Growth Knowledge Platform (GGKP). Recently appointed the Inaugural Managing Director of the groundbreaking Quantum Global Research Lab (QGRL) (http://www.quantumglobal.ch), Professor Urama gained a First Class Honors degree and a Master of Science in Agricultural Economics from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, a Master of Philosophy in Land Economy with a Distinction and a Ph.D., with a prize for the most outstanding thesis in economics and related subjects, from St. Edmund’s College of the UK’s University of Cambridge.  He was named the Technology Executive of the Year by the Africa Technology Awards in 2012 and is an extraordinary and adjunct Professor at the School of Public Leadership, Stellenbosch University, South Africa and Sir Walter Murdoch School of Public Policy, the University of Murdoch, Western Australia, respectively.  He is also a Fellow of the African Academy of Sciences (AAS) and member of several intergovernmental and international scientific panels.

Founded by the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) and the World Bank, the GGKP has a global partnership of over 30 international organizations, research institutes and think tanks. The GGKP helps to identify major knowledge gaps in green growth theory and practice and address those gaps by promoting collaboration and coordinated research; and using world-class knowledge management and communications tools to give practitioners and policymakers the analysis, guidance, tools and data necessary to support a green economy transition. Read more: http://www.greengrowthknowledge.org/about/advisory-committee

 Welcoming the appointment Quantum Global Research Lab Founder Jean-Claude Bastos De Morais said,

 “We are delighted for Kevin and proud of his appointment to this important advisory committee of this important global knowledge platform. He is a world class academic with a remarkable body of work; a man who embraces our vision of supporting African Sovereigns for sustainable investments and inclusive development, for the good of Africa, its people and the world in general”.

“I am especially pleased that Kevin’s news follows the announcement we made last week regarding the appointment of one of our pro-bono Advisory Board members, Dr Célestin Monga – another distinguished economist and academic –to a top UN role in Vienna.”

Responding to his appointment Professor Urama, commented.

 “I am honored and privileged to receive this invitation to serve on the GGKP’s Advisory Committee.  I am also grateful to the Chair of Quantum Global Research Lab for permitting me to accept this invitation to join the steering committee”.

 “My ambitions are what they have always been: to make a significant and novel contribution to re-thinking the economics of development and facilitate transition to more inclusive, sustainable and equitable development for the benefit of humankind, our society and the environment. I pray that I am able to add value where I can and support the efforts of those who work in this important field, so that together, we can build a more sustainable world”.

About Quantum Global Research Lab

The Quantum Global Group Research Lab is an independent research partner to African Sovereigns, established in Switzerland to advance original thinking and novel insights on the economics of inclusive development in Africa. It leads innovation and excellence in the delivery of bottom-up econometric models of African economies that are embedded in African realities as tools for inclusive economic development policy and sustainable investment decision making in Africa. Read More: http:/www.quantumglobalresearchlab.ch

Prof. Kevin Chika Urama holds a First Class Honors degree and a Master of Science in Agricultural Economics from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. He also gained a Master of Philosophy degree, with distinction, and a Ph.D. in Land Economy from the University of Cambridge, United Kingdom. A 2002-3 winner of the James Claydon Prize for the most outstanding Ph.D. thesis in economics or related subjects while studying at St. Edmund’s College, University of Cambridge; he was most recently the Executive Director of the African Technology Policy Studies Network (ATPS). Prof. Urama was named the Technology Executive of the Year by the Africa Technology Awards in 2012. An Extra-Ordinary Professor in the School of Public Leadership, Stellenbosch University, South Africa, Professor Urama is also an Adjunct Professor at the Sir Walter Murdoch School of Public Policy and International Affairs, University of Murdoch, Western Australia, and a Fellow of the African Academy of Sciences (AAS). He serves on several international and intergovernmental scientific panels, advisory boards, and editorial boards of scientific journals, and has published on various subjects of economics, public policy and innovation.

The two properties under development a

The two properties under development 

-Hotel Naguru: a four star, 140 bed luxury hotel on top of Naguru Hill (another prime location in Kampala) which is  anticipated to be operational in Q4 2015 (picture http://www.photos.apo-opa.com/plog-content/images/apo/photos/1-2.jpg);

-Moyo Close Apartments: 14 high end apartments located in Kololo which are anticipated to be completed in Q1 2015 (picturehttp://www.photos.apo-opa.com/plog-content/images/apo/photos/2-2.jpg).

  

In addition to property, the Simba Group has business interests in telecom (Simba Telecom), energy (Electro-Maxx and True North Power), agriculture (Simba Farms), mining (gold) and other industries (such as Simba Electronics, Simba Travel Care and Zuku TV). Simba Group was started by the husband and wife team of Patrick and Carol Bitature in 1998 and has grown into one of the leading domestic investment groups in Uganda.

Patrick Bitature, the Founder and Chairman of Simba Group said, “Vantage brings an important and exciting new model of financing to the East African region. Simba Group is pleased to have found a strong mezzanine financing partner who provides medium-term growth capital but does not want to take our hard earned equity.” 

Mokgome Mogoba, Associate Partner at Vantage, said “We are proud to have invested with the Simba Group, a leading and influential group of companies in Uganda with a strong commitment to the country and to the East African region.”

Warren van der Merwe, Chief Operating Officer at Vantage, added “Simba has managed to build an impressive and successful group of businesses, through a combination of entrepreneurial flair and highly professional management.  Theirs is the kind of story that underpins our Pan African investment strategy of supporting mid-market family-owned businesses that are seeking to raise growth capital without having to dilute their shareholding.  This is the kind of Group we would like to back in future transactions.”

The investment in Simba Properties follows Vantage’s pan-African strategy of focusing on high-growth African markets such as the East African Community members, Ghana, Nigeria, and some of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries.

Simba Properties is Vantage’s first investment in Uganda and the twelfth mezzanine transaction in Vantage’s second fund, which is now more than 85% invested. Vantage has commenced the raising of its third mezzanine fund, which is targeted to close by the first quarter of 2015 at $250 million. 

About Simba Group

Simba Group (http://the-simba-group.com) is an East African conglomerate with business interests in telecom, energy, property, agriculture, mining and other industries. It was started by Patrick and Carol Bitature in 1998 with an objective of becoming the largest mobile phone retailer and airtime distributor in East Africa. Since accomplishing that goal, Simba Group has gone on to become one of the largest most respected companies in East Africa. The Group has recently founded the first indigenous independent power plant in Africa and is focused on starting and growing businesses which improve the infrastructure and livelihoods of East Africans.

About Vantage Capital

Vantage Capital Group (http://www.vantagecapital.co.za/) was established in 2001 with funds under management of $14 million (R150 million) and now currently manages over $450 million (R5 billion). In addition to managing technology, mezzanine debt and renewable energy debt funds, Vantage also provides advisory and origination services through its debt capital markets division and makes proprietary investments using its balance sheet capital.

Capital for the Vantage Mezzanine and Vantage GreenX funds has been sourced from over thirty institutions including many leading African pension funds like the Public Investment Corporation (PIC) in South Africa and the Debswana Pension Fund in Botswana, development funders such as the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) and the Norwegian Fund for Development (Norfund), and private sector endowments such as the Kellogg Foundation from the United States.

Vantage has offices in Johannesburg and Cape Town and in addition to its home market in South Africa, targets debt opportunities in a number of high-growth African countries including Ghana, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Botswana and Namibia. Mezzanine is an intermediate form of risk capital, which is situated between senior debt, the least risky tranche of the capital structure, and equity, the most risky. It combines elements of both debt and equity thereby providing companies with long-term funding on terms which are less dilutive to shareholders than pure equity.

Research reveals GCC trade with Africa on the rise

Research reveals GCC trade with Africa on the rise

Investors are seeking opportunities in new sectors and geographic locations with Dubai and the UAE a well-placed hub to drive and facilitate growth

DUBAI, UAE, December 16, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) countries are placing more attention on new markets in east, west and southern Africa as their trade flows with the continent expand, according to a report released by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) in conjunction with Falcon and Associates (http://www.falconandassociates.ae).

Logo: http://www.photos.apo-opa.com/plog-content/images/apo/logos/falcon.png

Download full report: http://www.economistinsights.com/analysis/gcc-trade-and-investment-flows.

The EIU study, entitled GCC Trade and Investment Flows, explores the GCC’s economic ties with each world region and identifies major growth drivers. Key findings show the GCC’s push into Africa is broadening by sector and geographical location. From telecommunications and private equity in West Africa to energy projects in South Africa and Mozambique, investment flows are diversifying. Opportunities in infrastructure are a primary growth driver, where, according to World Bank estimates, US$96bn a year is required to bridge the gap, while fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) is one of the fastest-emerging opportunities on the continent, driven by increased spending power and rising consumer needs.

Findings show Dubai and the UAE as a major trade and investment partner across the African continent. This year, the Investment Corporation of Dubai (ICD) signed a US$300M agreement with Dangote Cement in West Africa and bought a significant stake in Kerzner International. 2014 also saw Dubai-based Jumeirah Group expand operations into North Africa with a management agreement in Mauritius and the recent deal between Emirates Airline (which already operates more than 160 flights a week to Africa) and TAAG Angola Airlines will improve connections to Central and South Africa. In addition, the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) Courts has signed its first Memorandum of Guidance with their counterparts in the High Court of Kenya advancing legal structures and enabling more confident investing.

With robust infrastructure, geographic location and global connectivity, Dubai acts as a strategic and world-class hub for doing business with Africa. The emirate not only facilitates trade and investment flows into and out of the continent, it provides a stable and secure base from which global firms can operate. 

The findings follow the success of the 2nd Africa Global Business Forum (AGBF), held in Dubai earlier this year and organised by the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, which was attended by more than 1000 delegates from 62 countries where discussions focused on encouraging investment opportunities and promoting sustainable development across Africa. 

The full GCC Trade and Investment Flows report can be viewed online and downloaded at http://www.economistinsights.com/analysis/gcc-trade-and-investment-flows.

Distributed by APO (African Press Organization) on behalf of Falcon and Associates.

About this report

GCC Trade and Investment Flows is an Economist Intelligence Unit report based on desk research and interviews with experts, conducted by The Economist Intelligence Unit in conjunction with Falcon and Associates.

About Falcon and Associates

Falcon and Associates (http://www.falconandassociates.ae) FZ-LLC is strategic advisory company working on behalf of the Dubai leadership. We build on the emirate’s many successes to date by identifying and implementing new opportunities to help Dubai fulfil its long-term potential, partnering with businesses and government departments to deliver specific social, economic and trade-related goals.

About The Economist Intelligence Unit

The Economist Intelligence Unit is the world leader in global business intelligence. It is the business-to-business arm of The Economist Group, which publishes The Economist newspaper. The Economist Intelligence Unit helps executives make better decisions by providing timely, reliable and impartial analysis on worldwide market trends and business strategies. More information can be found at www.eiu.comor www.twitter.com/theeiu.

AfrAsia Bank attracts significant shareholding from National Bank of Canada (NBC

AfrAsia Bank attracts significant shareholding from National Bank of Canada (NBC)

This represents a major vote of confidence in AfrAsia business model

PORT-LOUIS, Mauritius, December 15, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ - AfrAsia Bank Limited (http://www.afrasiabank.com/en)  today announced the addition of an important world-class strategic partner, National Bank of Canada, to its shareholding structure.  

This represents a major vote of confidence in its business model, financial standing and unique positioning in regional and international markets. National Bank of Canada will immediately acquire a 9.5% stake in AfrAsia Bank, with the aim of further increasing its shareholding in the near future.

CALL TO COMBINE EFFORTS, CREATE PARTNERSHIPS AND POOL RESOURCES IF CONSERVATION IN AFRICA IS TO SUCCEED

CALL TO COMBINE EFFORTS, CREATE PARTNERSHIPS AND POOL RESOURCES IF CONSERVATION IN AFRICA IS TO SUCCEED

The mushrooming poaching onslaught was the prime topic this year when 48 students from seven different countries across the southern African region graduated from the Southern African Wildlife College’s (SAWC’s) Higher and Advanced Certificate Programme in Nature Conservation.

Addressing the graduates were Mr. Werner Myburgh CEO of Peace Parks Foundation and Mr. Ernest Mokganedi, Director Transfrontier Conservation Areas, Department of Environmental Affairs; the common theme being the need to combine efforts, create partnerships and pool resources if conservation in Africa is to succeed.

“This is particularly relevant given the increase in wildlife trafficked which threatens to disrupt and collapse fundamental ecological processes. Students graduating from the College will, together with various other stakeholders, be responsible for rehabilitating, protecting and sustaining our wildlife areas in collaboration with local communities.  It is vital that the College as our training partner, ensures that the training offered is aligned to the needs of the conservation sector and that the students returning to their places of work in Parks across Africa engage with various stakeholders,” said Myburgh.

“The skills mastered at the Southern African Wildlife College place these students, who hail from Namibia, Mozambique, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe, in a very advantageous position. Not only have they been equipped to manage the challenges that lie ahead, they also share a common vision and passion for conserving our natural resources,” added Mokganedi. “Of the 18 Transfrontier Conservation Areas across the SADC region, the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park - which includes South Africa, Mozambique and Zimbabwe - is most affected by the scourge of organized poaching. It is up to all the stakeholders including the students operating in these areas to raise awareness, improve conservation effectiveness and promote community benefits; without which conservation and anti-poaching efforts cannot succeed,” he said.

This year marked the 17^th year that the College has been offering its flagship protected area management programmes designed to help achieve long lasting conservation results across the region.  “We are however now facing the biggest onslaught of rhino and elephant with poaching numbers increasing at alarming rates. A collaborative approach to conservation, tourism, community-based natural resource management and responsible resource ownership is needed if we are to realize the value of wildlife and develop the wildlife economy of the region rather than lose what we have to wildlife crime and poaching syndicates who are motivated by greed and wealth accumulation rather than the protection of any one species,” said Annelize Steyn, Head: Academic Compliancy and Quality Management at the College.

“The College is actively involved in empowering protected area managers not only with the necessary conservation skills but also with the ability to engage so that long term solutions can be found to help ensure the biodiversity of the region,” she added.

This statement was underpinned by the Student Council President, Mrs Anety Milimo from the Zambian Wildlife Authority when she said, “The class of 2014 is standing of the brink of change. Change is sometimes inevitable but the core fundamentals of conservation remain the same and it is up to each student to meet the challenge by finding his or her cause to help shape the future of conservation. If we don’t rise to the occasion, we will have failed not only ourselves but the generations to come.”

During the graduation ceremony, six students recognised for their outstanding achievements during the 2014 year. The Rosie Sturgis Award for the Most Improved Student went to Mufaya Mukelabai – Zambia Wildlife Authority; the WWF South Africa Award for the Most Outstanding South African Student was awarded to Salome October - Eastern Cape Parks and Tourism Agency; the Hans Hoheisen Award for the Best Protected Area Management Student went to Rutendo Matowanyika - Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management; Best Animal Studies student was awarded to Masiye Masiye - Zambia Wildlife Authority and Caroline Katsande: Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management was awarded the trophy for the Best Financial Management student.

The two top awards sponsored by the Distell Foundation for the Best Student – Higher Certificate in Nature Conservation: Implementation and Leadership and the Advanced Certificate in Trans-frontier Conservation Management went to Justice Mafumba - Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management (cum laude) and Caroline Katsande - Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management respectively. Katsande did herself proud having achieved two awards this year after being awarded the Best Student in the Higher Certificate Programme in 2013 as well one the Southern African Wildlife College Trust’s (SAWCT) scholarship awards.

This year is much anticipates SAWCT scholarships awarded to three students from the Higher Certificate to continue their studies at the Wildlife College in 2015. The scholarship recipients included Justice Mafumba and Prisca Chirozva both from Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management as well as Salome October for Easter Cape Parks and Tourism Agency.

Theresa Sowry, CEO of the SAWC, said that apart from the Higher Education and Training students who graduated, over 1500 students were trained across various programmes at the College over the past year.  This brings to over 12,000 the number of students trained at this SADC recognised centre of specialization in conservation education, training and skills development.

INVESTMENTS IN THE GREEN ECONOMY CONTRIBUTED SIGNIFICANTLY TO THE INVESTMENT PIPELINE OF R60BN

INVESTMENTS IN THE GREEN ECONOMY CONTRIBUTED SIGNIFICANTLY TO THE INVESTMENT PIPELINE OF R60BN

By BRIAN KAJENGO

The Investment in the Green Economy contributed significantly to the Department of Trade and Industry’s (the dti) 2013/14 investment pipeline of R60 billion.  The current pipeline for the 2014/15 financial year is at R27bn with a significant contribution from the Green Economy to the value of R10bn.

The Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, Mr Mzwandile Masina said this during the launch of a multi-million rand manufacturing facility at SMA Solar Technology in Cape Town today.

“This is the third renewable energy component manufacturing facility opening in a short space of time and is testament to the growing importance of the green economy in general and the renewable energy industry in particular. It is also testament to South Africa’s attractiveness as a destination for foreign direct investments,” added Deputy Minister Masina.

According to Deputy Minister Masina, government is committed to creating an enabling environment that will facilitate investment, job creation and growth, and will continue to improve support measures that can help to achieve this.

“the dti provided support in terms of assisting with the reduction of red tape and ensuring that the investor had a seamless investment experience.  Coordination with all levels of government was essential to making this project a success,” added Deputy Minister Masina.

Since the 2012/13 financial year the dti has facilitated investments to the value of R3bn in the manufacturing of equipment and components for the renewable energy industry.  

Deputy Minister Masina also said that the local content requirements for solar energy have progressed from a threshold of 35% in bid window one to a threshold of 45% in bid window four, and a target of 50% and 65% in bid window one and four, respectively.

“The intention is to continue increasing local content levels until optimum levels are reached in order to attract even more investments into local manufacturing,” emphasised Deputy Minister Masina.

The Managing Director of SMA Solar Technology South Africa, Mr Thorsten Range, said that as world market leader with a well-known brand within the solar sector, SMA would strive to achieve a high market share across all segments in Southern Africa; in utility scale, commercial, residential, off-grid and fuel saving applications since it has sophisticated solutions for each of the segments.

Ronge described South Africa as of strategic importance to SMA. He said it has shown economic resilience through the global financial crisis and its energy demands are growing. The need for businesses to contain the risk of power shortages and government’s policy framework toward a low-carbon future, are making photovoltaics a financially attractive investment for independent power producers, commercial, agricultural and infrastructure users.

SMA currently employs 25 people in South Africa, based in Cape Town and Centurion, as well as service hubs in Bloemfontein and Kimberley.

Premier of the Western Cape, Ms Helen Zille and Provincial Minister of Economic Opportunities, Mr Alan Winde also attended the launch.

NOTORIOUS RAPIST BUSTED

NOTORIOUS RAPIST BUSTED

STANDERTON – The police members of the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit in Standerton have busted a 25-year-old man, connection with the rape and murder of a 39-year-old woman.

The victim found on 17 February 2013, at her house in Park Town, Azalea at Standerton by family members who alerted police. When police arrived at the scene, they found the victim’s naked body, blind-folded, mouth covered and her hands tied with her clothes. Post-mortem was also conducted which confirmed that she had been severely beaten, raped and strangled to death.

The arrest of the villain came as a result of a report which received from the police’s forensic department regarding the DNA samples that collected from the victim.

The results showed that the suspect allegedly involved in this case, was the same suspect who arrested for gang rape cases which were committed around Standerton during May 2013.

The gang rape cases are at the sensitive stage and we are unable to disclose any information with regard to the cases at present. Following the findings, a warrant of arrest obtained and the suspect nabbed yesterday. 

 The suspect will be appearing before the Standerton Magistrate’s Court on Friday 12^th of December 2014, facing charges of rape and murder.

Invitation to the National Imbizo on the Campaign Against Stolen Goods

Invitation to the National Imbizo on the Campaign Against Stolen Goods

The Minister of Police, Honourable Nkosinathi Nhleko will be launching a Campaign against Stolen Goods in Mpumalanga. The focus of the campaign is to remove the market for stolen goods and to unite society in a concerted effort to reduce crime.

The campaign against stolen goods focuses on young people in the country to take a moral stand against stolen goods and to create awareness on the Second Hand Goods Act.

Both print and electronic media are cordially invited to this campaign.

The campaign is scheduled to take place as follows:

Date                :           17 December 2014

Venue            :           Masoyi Sports Ground

Time               :           10:00

Theme           : “The world suffers a lot. Not because of the violence of bad people, but because of the silence of good people”

STEEL INDUSTRY KEY TO SUSTAINABLE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT – DEPUTY MINISTER MASINA

STEEL INDUSTRY KEY TO SUSTAINABLE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT – DEPUTY MINISTER MASINA

The steel industry is keys to sustainable economic development and steel products remain the most tradable commodities globally.

The Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, Mr Mzwandile Masina said this. He was speaking at the 77^th Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Steel Committee conference hosted by the Department of Trade and Industry (the dti) in Cape Town today.

Deputy Minister Masina noted that in the last three decades, developing countries have been the key driver of steel supply and demand. 70% of current global steel production is from the non-OECD member countries thereby highlighting the importance of the participation of developing world in the global steel strategies.   

Deputy Minister Masina, who emphasised the role of the steel value chain to the industrialisation process, added that the sector was a significant job creator as well as a foreign exchange earner.

“The global primary steel industry provides about two million direct jobs and about 50 million inclusive of jobs created downstream. “It is an undisputed fact that a country that processes semi-refined minerals or goods and converts them into complete, value-added products cost efficiently will consistently grow its economy,” said the Deputy Minister Masina

“While South Africa remains the third largest exporter of iron ore globally and the largest primary steel producer on the continent, the downstream segment of the steel industry holds enormous potential for investments, deepening of manufacturing capabilities and job creation,”  added Deputy Minister Masina.

He further indicated that the planned public infrastructure programme, ranging from rail, energy, housing, education, water and sanitation will create a demand stimulus for the steel industry both upstream and downstream. He also highlighted the opportunities for this value chain in the African continent arising from the middle-class growth, infrastructure programmes, mining projects, as well as oil and gas.

The Chairman of the OECD Steel Committee, Mr Risaburo Nezu said South Africa endowed with an abundance of raw materials to produce steel. He expressed optimism about the opportunity of exchanging of views between delegates from various countries participating in the conference.

The Steel Committee is comprised of 27 OECD country members, 4 associates (Brazil, Romania, Russian Federation and Ukraine), as well as seven participants (Argentina, Bulgaria, Egypt, India, Malaysia, South Africa and Chinese Taipei). Other non-OECD countries participate per invitation.

Caption: Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, Mr Mzwandile Masina speaking at the Steel Committee conference in Cape Town.

MPUMALANGA PREMIER DAVID MABUZA TO VISIT SECUNDA, GOVAN MBEKI MUNICIPALITY TO HANDOVER SASOL IKUSASA HOUSES IN EMBALENHLE TOWNSHIP, KINROSS AND LEANDRA, MPUMALANGA FRIDAY 12 DECEMBER 2014

MPUMALANGA PREMIER DAVID MABUZA TO VISIT SECUNDA, GOVAN MBEKI MUNICIPALITY TO HANDOVER SASOL IKUSASA HOUSES IN EMBALENHLE TOWNSHIP, KINROSS AND LEANDRA, MPUMALANGA FRIDAY 12 DECEMBER 2014

Secunda - Mpumalanga Premier David Mabuza will hand over 33 new houses to the elderly, disabled and child-headed households in the Govan Mbeki Municipality, Mpumalanga on Friday 12 December 2014.

The houses are part of the Premier’s special projects following a memorandum of understanding signed earlier in the year between Sasol and the Mpumalanga Provincial Government to assist in reducing the housing backlog in the GMM area.

The Sasol Ikusasa initiative built the houses that will be handed over to families in eMbalenhle Township, eMzinoni Township, Kinross and Leandra.

Several of his MECs, senior office-bearers of the Gert Sibande and Dipaleseng Municipalities, as well as senior executives of Sasol will support Premier Mabuza.

The Ikusasa initiative is Sasol’s collaboration with the Metsimaholo and Govan Mbeki Municipalities to identify and provide solutions to special infrastructure development and maintenance needs in the communities.

The objectives of the programme are to ensure that the Metsimaholo and Govan Mbeki municipal areas are desirable locations for talented individuals, while making a positive contribution to South Africa through partnership with local, regional and national government, as well as the community.

Projects executed through the Ikusasa initiative geared towards accelerating job creation, enhancing human capital development and improvement of the health and wellness of the communities in which Sasol operates

LOCALISATION IS KEY IN JOB CREATION - DEPUTY MINISTER MASINA

LOCALISATION IS KEY IN JOB CREATION - DEPUTY MINISTER MASINA

The Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, Mr Mzwandile Masina says localisation of automotive components is keys in creating sustainable jobs in South Africa. Deputy Minister Masina was speaking at the one of the automotive plant companies that he visited in Brits, North-West.

Deputy Minister Masina visited Pasdec Automotive Technologies and Inergy Automotive systems which both received funding from the Department of Trade and Industry’s (the dti) Automotive Incentives Scheme to the tune of R 3.7 million and R9 million, respectively.

The visits were part of taking the dti to the Factories campaign. The campaign aimed at offering the political leadership of the department an opportunity to interact with directors of companies which have received funding from the dti in order to assess the impact of the financial support.

Deputy Minister Masina said it was important for the dti to interact with industries in order to create a dialogue which will enable government to expand on the current support that they offer to different sectors of the economy.

“It is also imperative for us to support the automotive sector which is one of the most critical sectors that drives sustainability, job creation, competitiveness and all-inclusive growth,” said Masina.

 Masina also said the dti would continuously support industries that create opportunities for localisation as it is one of the most critical policies that government is currently implementing.

“Localisation can open doors to previously disadvantaged entrepreneurs who can then create jobs in their communities,” added Masina.

He urged the automotive sector to also take part in different trade missions that are undertaken bythe dti in order to improve on their Research and Development strategies.

The Country Director of Inergy Automotive systems Mr Arthur Mtombeni welcomed the dti initiative to engage the automotive sector as it is one of the key job drivers in the country.

Mtombeni said he was confident that these engagements would bear fruits in the future especially when the company wants to expand their productions with assistance from government.

KNP GATE QUOTAS IN FORCE DURING THE 2014 FESTIVE SEASON

KNP GATE QUOTAS IN FORCE DURING THE 2014 FESTIVE SEASON

With the festive season around the corner, the Kruger National Park (KNP) would like to remind Day Visitors about the gate quotas when planning their holiday.

Day Visitors urged to book in advance in order to secure their entry in the park since daily quotas strictly enforced throughout the festive season period.

Visitors are advised to either arrive at the gate very early in the morning because the service is on “first come first served” basis or pre-book their entrance with central reservations office on telephone number 012 428 9111 in order to ensure that they gain access to the park in terms of their own plan and are not sent back at the gate.

Although in operational all throughout the year, the gate quotas mostly reached during long weekends and public holidays. “If anyone is planning a visit on those days, it is recommended that they either arrive at the gate very early in the morning as the service is on first come first served basis or pre-book their entrance via Central Reservations (012 428 9111)”; explained the KNP’s GM: Communications and Marketing, William Mabasa.

Pre-booking comes with a non-refundable deposit of R36 per adult and R18 per child entering the park; which must be paid in advance and is meant to ensure their space because they would have been counted in the number that made the daily quota. Day visitors with advanced bookings are expected to arrive at the booked gate and date by not later than 13:00, after which the booking lapses. A pre-booking however does not exempt the day visitor from paying the normal conservation fees upon arrival at the gate but secures him/her entry.

All visitors also reminded to bring along their identity documents (IDs) or alternative form of identity to avoid problems at the gates. Wild Cards not used to identify one as legitimate holder and accompanied by some form of identity.

Mabasa also reminded visitors not to bring liquor with them as the alcohol ban on public areas in the Park is a permanent rule which enforced at all times; and the rest of the Park rules be fully enforced as well. Visitors can report any rules and regulations infringement to the Emergency Call Centres on 013 735 4325/013 735 0197 or 076 801 9679.

Day Visitors, who may not be able to gain entry because the quota shall have reached, can if they wish, make use of the park and ride a facility which is available at some gates. The park and ride will cost visitors extra money but should be better than having turned back at the gate.

“We also request visitors to plan their trip by observing gate opening and closing times so that they do not find themselves either speeding or arriving late at the camps/gates on their way in/out of the park. People must please read their permits received at the gates because all the rules and regulations of the park are clearly stipulated in those documents”, concluded Mabasa.

KNP has 10 entrance gates i.e. Pafuri, Punda Maria, Phalaborwa, Giriyondo, Orpen, Paul Kruger, Phabeni, Numbi, Malelane and Crocodile Bridge.

Caption:

The route to Paul Kruger Gate often attracts long queues during busy periods.