MEC IDENTIFIES OPPORTUNITIES IN CUBA FOR MP COMPANIES

MEC IDENTIFIES OPPORTUNITIES IN CUBA FOR MP COMPANIES

The MEC for Economic Development and Tourism in Mpumalanga, Mr Eric Kholwane says the economy of Cuba provides unlimited opportunities for the Mpumalanga businesses, especially the small and medium enterprises.  Kholwane attended a South Africa-Cuba Business Trade and Investment Seminar that was hosted by the Department of Trade and Industry (the dti) in Havana, Cuba this week.

The purpose of the seminar was attended by businesspeople from SA and Cuba was to bring to the attention of businesspeople from both countries investment opportunities that they can work together and explore. The SA business delegation was led by the Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, Mr Mzwandile Masina, who delivered a keynote address at the seminar.

“After attending the seminar I have no doubt that there are numerous opportunities that our companies back home can take advantage of. The opportunities in the tourism and agro-processing are almost tailor-made for businesses in our province. We will make an effort to assist our small and medium enterprises in particular to explore these opportunities. Our province is strong in tourism and agro-processing, so is Cuba. Therefore there is a strong potential for establishing linkages and partnerships between our businesses for the benefit of both countries,” said Kholwane.

He said his visit to Cuba followed a meeting that the province held with the Cuban Ambassador to South Africa, Mr Carlos Fernandez de Cossio Dominguez in Mbombela last week.

“In the meeting we discussed a variety of issues mainly related to our cooperation on health and human settlement matters where we are working on exchange programmes. Not much was discussed about economic issues between the countries because the national Department of Trade and Industry is leading the country’s initiatives to ensure that trade and investment between Cuba and SA is increased as a matter of priority,” said Kholwane.

In his address to the seminar, Deputy Minister Masina reiterated South Africa’s commitment to working with Cuba in order to increase the low bilateral trade between the two countries.  Masina announced that the dti had identified 140 products for trade with Cuba in order to increase volumes of SA exports to Cuba. The Cubans presented a portfolio of investment opportunities worth more than R90 billion in 12 strategic sectors of the Cuban economy. These include agribusiness, biotech and pharmaceutical, tourism, renewable energy, construction, oil exploration, mining, industrial production.

“As a province we will be working closing with the national department so we can make a meaningful contribution in producing and exporting products that are on the list and can be available in Mpumalanga. But what I have noticed during my visit is that there is already a lot that our companies that can to contribute in increasing trade and investment with Cuba. The onus is on us to start engaging seriously on ways and means of taking advantage of those opportunities,” emphasised Kholwane.

He also said there were lessons to be shared between Cuba and Mpumalanga as the province and South Africa as a country in general.

“We need to learn from the Cuban how they managed to successfully deal with the issue of poverty eradication despite the long economic blockade by the United States of America. I have not seen a single person beginning in streets of Cuba,” said Kholwane.

COMMUNITY WARNED ABOUT CHANCES OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS

COMMUNITY WARNED ABOUT CHANCES OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS

The Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs warns the communities about severe chances of severe thunderstorms over the whole Province, especially in the Highveld areas, today. Road users are advised to take precautions while driving. Farmers are advised secure their livestock. Parents are advised to protect their children by keeping them in well constructed structures. Be mindful of flash floods and rising streams. All resources are placed on high alert.

For any disaster emergencies you can contact The Provincial Disaster Management toll free number:  0800 202 507.

Issued by The Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs

Fatima Beyina-Moussa, one year at the head of AFRAA

Fatima Beyina-Moussa, one year at the head of AFRAA

Fatima Beyina-Moussa, CEO of ECAir, is coming to the end of her term in office

BRAZZAVILLE, Congo (Republic of the), October 22, 2015/ -- Fatima Beyina-Moussa, CEO of ECAir, Equatorial Congo Airlines (www.flyecair.com), the national airline of the Republic of the Congo, and president of AFRAA, the African Airlines Association, since November 2014 is coming to the end of her term in office. Two weeks before AFRAA’s 47th general assembly, which will be held November 8-10th at the sports complex of Kintele in Brazzaville (Republic of the Congo), and will address the theme “Open skies: Growth through competition and collaboration”, Fatima Beyina-Moussa took stock of her time at the head of the association. “It has been my great honour to be the spokesperson of my peers, directors of African airlines. I have been able to meet the leading figures in African and international aviation, such as Tony Tyler, director general and CEO of the International Air Transport Association, and political decision-makers, like Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, chairperson of the African Union, and to speak of the importance of cooperation and the liberalisation of African skies. I feel that things are moving forwards, that we are being heard. AFRAA does a lot for the development of the air sector in Africa. The secretary general of AFRAA, Dr Elijah Chingoshoet, and his team do remarkable work and it’s been a pleasure to be at their side and make my own contribution”. The aviation market in Africa is on its way to becoming one of the most important in the world with over a billion inhabitants, a third of whom belong to the middle class, the class that travels. Air traffic in Africa is growing by 5.2 % per year while the weakest growth was recorded in North America (2.3%) and Europe (3.8%). The International Air Transport Association (IATA), which brings together 250 carriers accounting for 84% of traffic worldwide, is in line with AFRAA. In Nairobi, on IATA Aviation Day last June, the director, Tony Tyler, urged people to implement the Yamoussoukro decision, a declaration of common intent by African countries in favour of the liberalisation of the skies adopted 15years ago. “To get from one African country to another, it’s sometimes easier to fly out of the continent and take a connection in Dubai or Paris, and then come back into Africa. This is something we want to avoid at all costs. Making travel within Africa easier can only be beneficial for airlines, and above all for passengers. Passengers will enjoy a much better journey than they can do today. Not only are connections between African countries insufficient, but they don’t have enough round trips, either, so passengers can’t get where they want in Africa. This is the battle AFRAA has to fight!” states Fatima Beyina-Moussa

GOVERNMENT CAN PLAY A CRITICAL ROLE IN CREATING AN ENVIRONMENT CONDUCIVE TO SUCCESSFUL COMMERCILISATION

GOVERNMENT CAN PLAY A CRITICAL ROLE IN CREATING AN ENVIRONMENT CONDUCIVE TO SUCCESSFUL COMMERCIALIZATION

Government can play a critical role in creating an environment conducive to successful commercialisation of any technology and this has even been recognised by Cabinet on 22 July 2015 This was said by the Chief Director of Innovation and Technology at the Department of Trade and Industry (the dti), Ms Nonkululeko Shinga. She was speaking at the stakeholder engagement workshop on “Factors Contributing to Successful Technology Commercialisation” in Pretoria.

Shinga said that many internal and external factors come into play and influence the outcome of the technology commercialisation process. While some of these factors and their respective effects are not easy to pinpoint, government can play a critical role in the innovation process by assisting in addressing market failures and creating an environment conducive to successful commercialisation of new or significantly improved products and processes.

“Much effort is needed to intensify the translation of innovative ideas into new products, services or processes to be introduced to the market and successfully commercialised. In response, the dti has identified the need to undertake an investigation into advantages and disadvantages of different methods employed in technology commercialisation, and develop guidelines for financial and non-financial instruments to be implemented in the country to facilitate successful implementation and exploitation of innovation by domestic businesses.,” said Shinga.

There is a wide recognition that developed technology itself is not the end-result but technology must create additional value through proliferation and commercialisation and commercialisation policy has taken the core position of industrial policies of many countries. Considering the importance of technology commercialisation in retaining competitiveness and securing jobs, the above suggests that undertaking innovative activities and succeeding in these efforts is integral to the future growth and development of SMMEs, and in turn to the South Africa’s economy. 

Shinga also added that while two thirds of SMMEs engaged in innovative activities, only one out of four succeeded in bringing their innovative products (goods or services) to the market.

She added that the National System of Innovation (NSI) has been in existence for over a decade, to stimulate and support innovation. This NSI comprises of a wide range of innovation stakeholders, institutional structures and relationships, laboratories, advanced facilities and equipment, research support, and expanded international relations.

“This implies that the importance and need to improve collaboration and synergies within government entities and among the public, academia, research institutions and business sectors has been acknowledged,” she said.

Ms Helene Debbari of Urban-Econ Development Economists (Pty) Ltd, the company appointed by the dti to conduct the study on the factors contributing to successful technology commercialisation in South Africa, with a particular focus on SMMEs, said that South Africa’s Industrial Policy Action Plan 2013-2016 identifies innovation as the most important driver of long-term prosperity, business growth and job creation.

“Technology commercialisation is also considered critical in creating new industries, transforming the structure of the economy and supporting industrialisation, it is one of the main priorities of the National Development Plan. The importance of technological advancement in enhancing a country’s competitiveness, wealth and job creation that ensue, has been recognised in most of the economic theories, as well as its contribution to addressing pressing developmental needs” said Debbari.

The findings of this study will be used to inform the dti National Strategy on Technology Commercialisation for Innovative Enterprises to be released in 2016.

GOVERNMENT CAN PLAY A CRITICAL ROLE IN CREATING AN ENVIRONMENT CONDUCIVE TO SUCCESSFUL COMMERCILISATION

GOVERNMENT CAN PLAY A CRITICAL ROLE IN CREATING AN ENVIRONMENT CONDUCIVE TO SUCCESSFUL COMMERCIALIZATION

Government can play a critical role in creating an environment conducive to successful commercialisation of any technology and this has even been recognised by Cabinet on 22 July 2015 This was said by the Chief Director of Innovation and Technology at the Department of Trade and Industry (the dti), Ms Nonkululeko Shinga. She was speaking at the stakeholder engagement workshop on “Factors Contributing to Successful Technology Commercialisation” in Pretoria.

Shinga said that many internal and external factors come into play and influence the outcome of the technology commercialisation process. While some of these factors and their respective effects are not easy to pinpoint, government can play a critical role in the innovation process by assisting in addressing market failures and creating an environment conducive to successful commercialisation of new or significantly improved products and processes.

“Much effort is needed to intensify the translation of innovative ideas into new products, services or processes to be introduced to the market and successfully commercialised. In response, the dti has identified the need to undertake an investigation into advantages and disadvantages of different methods employed in technology commercialisation, and develop guidelines for financial and non-financial instruments to be implemented in the country to facilitate successful implementation and exploitation of innovation by domestic businesses.,” said Shinga.

There is a wide recognition that developed technology itself is not the end-result but technology must create additional value through proliferation and commercialisation and commercialisation policy has taken the core position of industrial policies of many countries. Considering the importance of technology commercialisation in retaining competitiveness and securing jobs, the above suggests that undertaking innovative activities and succeeding in these efforts is integral to the future growth and development of SMMEs, and in turn to the South Africa’s economy. 

Shinga also added that while two thirds of SMMEs engaged in innovative activities, only one out of four succeeded in bringing their innovative products (goods or services) to the market.

She added that the National System of Innovation (NSI) has been in existence for over a decade, to stimulate and support innovation. This NSI comprises of a wide range of innovation stakeholders, institutional structures and relationships, laboratories, advanced facilities and equipment, research support, and expanded international relations.

“This implies that the importance and need to improve collaboration and synergies within government entities and among the public, academia, research institutions and business sectors has been acknowledged,” she said.

Ms Helene Debbari of Urban-Econ Development Economists (Pty) Ltd, the company appointed by the dti to conduct the study on the factors contributing to successful technology commercialisation in South Africa, with a particular focus on SMMEs, said that South Africa’s Industrial Policy Action Plan 2013-2016 identifies innovation as the most important driver of long-term prosperity, business growth and job creation.

“Technology commercialisation is also considered critical in creating new industries, transforming the structure of the economy and supporting industrialisation, it is one of the main priorities of the National Development Plan. The importance of technological advancement in enhancing a country’s competitiveness, wealth and job creation that ensue, has been recognised in most of the economic theories, as well as its contribution to addressing pressing developmental needs” said Debbari.

The findings of this study will be used to inform the dti National Strategy on Technology Commercialisation for Innovative Enterprises to be released in 2016.

President of Mauritius appointed Vice Chairman and Trustee of the Planet Earth Institute

President of Mauritius appointed Vice Chairman and Trustee of the Planet Earth Institute

PEI will also launch office in Mauritius to run expand science, technology and innovation programmes

LONDON, United Kingdom, October 22, 2015/ -- -The President of the Republic of Mauritius HE Dr. Ameenah Gurib-Fakim appointed Vice Chairman and Trustee of the Planet Earth Institute (PEI) -PEI will also launch office in Mauritius to run expand science, technology and innovation programmes -HE the President will host the official launch of the PEI at the State House in Mauritius on November 23rd 2015 The President of Mauritius, HE Dr. Ameenah Gurib-Fakim, has been appointed Vice Chairman and Trustee of the Planet Earth Institute (PEI), an international NGO and charity working for the ‘scientific independence of Africa’. Her Excellency will host the official launch of the PEI on an event at the State House on November 23rd 2015 along with Dr Álvaro Sobrinho, the PEI’s founding Chairman, and the full Board of Trustees. As Vice Chairman and Trustee of the PEI, Dr. Gurib-Fakim will work alongside fellow Board Members, Dr Álvaro Sobrinho, the prominent Angolan philanthropist and businessman, Rt Hon Lord Boateng, a member of the UK House of Lords, Prof. Sir Christopher Edwards, the distinguished academic, and Prof. Sir Magdi Yacoub, the pioneering cardiothoracic surgeon. The PEI’s expansion to Mauritius will build upon its international work to support African science, technology and innovation, as well develop a number of locally focused initiatives to be announced in early 2016. HE Dr. Gurib-Fakim was appointed as President of the Republic of Mauritius in June 2015, following a highly distinguished career as a scientist and businesswoman, including a role as Pro Vice Chancellor of the University of Mauritius. In recognition of her significant contributions to scientific research, she was awarded L’Oréal-UNESCO Award for Women in Science in 2007. The PEI’s launch on 23rd November will be an exclusive, high-level meeting for a range of key stakeholders including African government ministries, international institutions, private businesses, local and pan-African universities, and civil society. The private launch will be followed by an expert policy roundtable focusing on ‘Mauritius and Africa’s scientific independence: the role of business’, hosted by HE President Gurib-Fakim and the Board of the PEI. HE Dr Ameenah Gurib-Fakim, President of the Republic of Mauritius: “Mauritius has a proud track record of investing in scientific excellence and developing research. In the future, science, technology and innovation will be vital in creating jobs and prosperity for our citizens in Mauritius and across the mainland African continent. I look forward to helping lead the PEI’s work as Vice Chairman and Trustee, and in turn to contributing to our continent’s increasing scientific and technological excellence, as the underlying foundations of our sustainable development”. Dr. Álvaro Sobrinho, Chairman of the Planet Earth Institute: “Although Africa has experienced sustained economic growth over the past decade, scientific and technological output has not kept pace. Yet, if we want to ensure that sustainable development is a reality for all, we must make greater investments in science and technology, and equip our next generations with the skills they need to compete in a globalised, 21st Century workplace. Along with my distinguished fellow Board Members, I am absolutely delighted that HE President Gurib-Fakim is joining the PEI as our Vice Chairman and Trustee. With her distinguished research career and strong commitment to a science-led development agenda for Africa, the PEI is now well positioned to continue to grow and develop as an organisation, and, crucially, to keep increasing our impact on Africa’s scientific agenda”. Distributed by APO (African Press Organization) on behalf of Planet Earth Institute.

Africa highlighted as a market with high potential for life sciences & healthcare companies

Africa highlighted as a market with high potential for life sciences & healthcare companies

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, October 22, 2015/APO (African Press Organization)/ -- Imagine the future’: DHL’s Annual  Regional Life Sciences & Healthcare conference focused on life sciences & healthcare supply chains and enhancing the life sciences and healthcare sector -Africa highlighted as  a market with high potential for life sciences & healthcare companies -As growth in developed markets stagnates, companies in the life sciences and healthcare market are increasingly looking for growth in Africa. This is according to Andrew Mitchell: President EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) Life Sciences & Healthcare at DHL Customer Solutions & Innovation, who was speaking at the 5th annual DHL Regional Life Sciences & Healthcare conference held in Johannesburg, South Africa today.He says this trend calls for global industry players to adopt smarter strategies in order to operate successfully across the continent. According to the Africa: A continent of opportunity for pharma patients1 report by McKinsey & Company, the value of Africa’s pharmaceutical industry jumped to $20.8bn in 2013 from just $4.7bn a decade earlier, and will be worth $40bn to $65bn by 2020. It also reports that between 2013 and 2020 prescription drugs are forecast to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 6% in Africa, generics at 9%, over-the-counter medicines at 6%, and medical devices at 11%. Mitchell says that when it comes to transporting medicines across Africa, there are many common challenges that the industry experiences, such as ensuring temperature-controlled environments in accordance to Good Distribution Practice regulations, cost efficiency, trade compliance and regulations, and innovation for continuous improvement – of which all are key to success. “We wanted to address changes affecting our industry at the conference, and discuss how the industry can adopt the best supply chain strategies to capitalize on Africa’s growth potential and achieve regulatory compliance,” says Mitchell. The conference hosted representatives from leading pharmaceutical and healthcare companies to discuss the latest trends, innovations and solutions impacting the Life Sciences supply chain, with a specific focus on Africa as a region with high growth potential. Hennie Heymans, Managing Director of DHL Express Sub-Saharan Africa, says that logistics has long been considered a key supporting function within the life sciences sector, but that its importance is rapidly growing in Africa due to the increasing relevance of pharmaceuticals in emerging markets. He says that there are various trends that are shaping the sector, one of which is urbanization. “DHL anticipates pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturers to expand their capabilities into major African cities, eventually to emerging cities and even rural areas, and with this, there will be various approaches to distribution and logistics.” Heymans adds that e-commerce is also fundamentally transforming the supply chains for business-to-consumer (B2C)/ over the counter (OTC) life sciences markets, such as cosmetics, vitamins, contact lenses and nutrition, as well as business-to-business (B2B) markets, such as diagnostics and lab supplies. “It is believed that life science manufacturers will build up more direct-distribution channels to the end consumer, and will either develop their own e-commerce operations or distribute their products via third-party platforms.” Heymans says that the changes within the market and decentralised supply chains will lead to new transportation routes. “In certain parts of Africa, supply and distribution chain mechanisms still pose challenges, which range from inadequate or undeveloped infrastructures to a country’s specific regulations. Due to more complex supply chains, policy makers worldwide are enforcing stricter regulations for manufacturing and logistics, and customs clearance times and potential regulatory delays can influence a product’s ability to reach a laboratory or customer.” For pharmaceutical and medical device manufactures to gain a competitive advantage in Africa they need to have the ability to innovate and adapt to new regulatory standards and the distribution requirements of products, says Heymans. “Providers wanting to capitalise on the continent’s growth in this market should seek to partner with local providers who are able to successfully implement and manage complex supply chains while navigating the continent’s complex markets and challenges.”

COMMENCEMENT OF TRUMPING PROVISION OF THE BROAD-BASED BLACK ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT AMENDMENT ACT

COMMENCEMENT OF TRUMPING PROVISION OF THE BROAD-BASED BLACK ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT AMENDMENT ACT

The Minister of Trade and Industry, Dr Rob Davies has announced that the Trumping Provision of the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment Amendment Act, 2013 (ACT NO. 46 OF 2013) will commence with effect from the 24 October 2015. This is in line with ACT NO. 46 OF 2013 which came into operation on 24 October 2014, except for section 3(b) also known the Trumping Provision

“Section 3 (b) also known as the “trumping provision” stipulates that in the event of any conflict between the B-BBEE Act and other law in force immediately prior to the date of commencement of the B-BBEE Act as amended, the B-BBEE Act will prevail if the conflict relates to a matter dealt with in the B-BBEE Act. This trumping provision was inserted to safeguard the objectives and spirit of transformation and was allocated a twelve (12) month transitional period,” said Minister Davies.

In terms of section 10 (3) of the Amendment Act, 2013, section 3(b) comes into operation one year after the date on which the Amendment Act, 2013, was proclaimed.

The transitional period was to enable alignment between B-BBEE Act and other pieces of legislation that speaks to economic transformation.

The general public is therefore informed that section 3(b) of the Amendment Act, 2013, by operation of law, automatically commenced on 24 October 2015.

Zimbabweans now have 24/7 access to remittances on the EcoCash network

Zimbabweans now have 24/7 access to remittances on the EcoCash network

DALLAS, United States of America, October 21, 2015/APO (African Press Organization)/ -- MoneyGram (NASDAQ: MGI) (http://www.moneygram.com), a global provider of innovative money transfer services, and Econet Wireless, the leading mobile operator in Zimbabwe, today announced the launch of a new service that enables customers from more than 200 countries and territories worldwide to transfer funds via EcoCash, Zimbabwe’s leading mobile money transfer solution. The new offering means that more than 4.9 million EcoCash subscribers and MoneyGram customers can  receive funds across the EcoCash network at any time, day or night, and from any place. What’s more, consumers can access MoneyGram’s services at more than 20,000 EcoCash locations across Zimbabwe, or at any one of MoneyGram’s agent locations worldwide. The launch was celebrated at a press conference on October 21, 2015 in Zimbabwe, which was attended by Herve Chomel, MoneyGram’s vice president for Africa and Anton Luttig, MoneyGram’s regional director of southern and eastern Africa.  “Our activation with EcoCash, a leader in Zimbabwe’s mobile money realm, furthers MoneyGram’s vision of expanding our self-service offerings to ensure an unparalleled customer experience,”  Chomel says. “With the service, we are offering millions of consumers, many in remote areas of the country, access to a fast, reliable and secure method of transferring money, much of which is used to purchase life essentials and daily expenses.” EcoCash is the second fastest growing mobile money solution in Africa. “We have a strong presence in Zimbabwe’s digital environment and we are excited to link up with MoneyGram to utilize the company’s global footprint and bring more options to our consumers,” says Douglas Mboweni, CEO of Econet Wireless. “In-wallet remittances are becoming more topical, not only in driving access to international remittances for the previously unbanked but also driving further financial inclusion as we link the diaspora and home. By working with MoneyGram, we will help reach more consumers who rely on our domestic and international remittance services to handle their daily financial needs.” Consumers have access to MoneyGram in more than 50 African countries, and the company is working to support economic development across the continent through expanded alternative channels like the EcoCash service.

Merck Unites with UNESCO to Build Research Capacity in Africa

Merck Unites with UNESCO to Build Research Capacity in Africa

·        UNESCO-Merck Africa Research Summit aims to define interventions to prepare for the road ahead in Africa’s development as an international hub for research excellence and scientific innovation ·        Summit will put specific emphasis on how to translate knowledge into action to improve health ·        Summit to be conducted on a yearly basis to ensure significant sustainable impact; 2015 edition will be dedicated to emergent infectious diseases GENEVA, Switzerland, October 20, 2015/ -- Merck (http://www.merckgroup.com), a leading science and technology company, today launches in partnership with United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) the first edition of the UNESCO-Merck Africa Research Summit, to be held in Geneva, Switzerland. The summit aims to address the vital role of scientific research in the improvement and sustainable development of the African population health, with specific emphasis on how to translate knowledge into action. “Merck is very pleased to join forces with UNESCO and take together an active role in addressing health challenges and strengthening the role of scientific research in life sciences and medical sciences for Africa,” said Stefan Oschmann, Vice Chairman of the Executive Board and Deputy CEO of Merck, at the inauguration of the UNESCO Merck Africa Research Summit. “The summit will bring together researchers from across Africa to discuss the generation, sharing and dissemination of research data with the aim of identifying development opportunities that will contribute to building research capacity, accelerating access to innovative health solutions and sustaining innovation in Africa.” “The UNESCO-Merck Africa Research Summit was initiated to address in parts the vital role of research in the improvement and sustainable development of population health with specific emphasis on how to translate knowledge into action - the 'know-do gap' - to improve health,” emphasized Flavia Schlegel, Assistant Director- General of Natural Sciences, UNESCO. “Moreover, the summit will provide a platform for dialogue on improving global cooperation on life science and health research and narrowing the disparities in health systems performance between developing and developed countries.” Uganda Minister of State of Health, Sarah Opendi emphasized at the summit "New Health Challenges are expected in the future and therefore this noble initiative by UNESCO/MERCK will significantly contribute towards enhancing policy environment, support and build capacity of researchers in low and middle income countries". The summit will be conducted on a yearly basis to ensure significant sustainable impact on access to high-quality and innovative healthcare solutions, building research capacity and sustaining innovation across Africa. The 2015 UNESCO-Merck Africa Research Summit will focus on the role of building capacities in the life sciences to address challenges of infectious diseases, most notably the Ebola crises. Scientifically supported by UNESCO, the University of Cambridge (UK), and the University of Rome (Italy), the summit will be a valuable opportunity for young researchers who are engaged and interested in health and life science research in Africa to learn about the full spectrum of ground-breaking scientific research currently underway, and prepare for the road ahead in Africa’s development as an international hub for research excellence and scientific innovation. Abstracts were invited from final year African PhD students and young investigators involved in HIV, Ebola and other infectious diseases research. All are primarily based at African research institutes and universities. All abstracts were peer reviewed by scientific committee and will be eligible for fellowship award in Merck R&D hub and further number of research awards which will be announced at the end of the summit.

CHINESE GOVERNMENT PLEDGES $50 BILLION TO INDUSTRIALISE SOUTH AFRICA AND THE AFRICAN CONTINENT

CHINESE GOVERNMENT PLEDGES $50 BILLION TO INDUSTRIALISE SOUTH AFRICA AND THE AFRICAN CONTINENT

The Chinese government reiterated its commitment to support industrialisation in South Africa and the rest of the African continent by pledging $50 billion million towards industrialisation projects. The pledge was announced during a courtesy visit by the Vice Minister of Commerce of China, Mr Zhang Xiangchen to the Director-General of the Department of Trade and Industry, (the dti), Mr Lionel October in Pretoria.

The courtesy visit by the Vice Minister Xiangchen also focused on the upcoming Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) to be hosted in Johannesburg from 4-5 December 2015.

Vice Minister Xiangchen said there were several new measures that the Chinese government is finalising to further promote industrialisation and development of the African continent as a whole.

“China-Africa industrialisation partnerships will be at the forefront of any development in the continent followed by agricultural activities. China will also increase investments in Africa especially in the Special Economic Zones and provide training in those sectors,” said Xiangchen.

Xiangchen also said his government would provide 50 technical experts in building and upgrading of industrial parks, building of new power plants, 40 000 training opportunities in different sectors and 200 000 industrial managers to train and develop local industrial managers.

October welcomed the pledge and praised China for its efforts in continuously supporting the African cause.

October said China remained an inspiration to most developing countries especially Africa for the last forty years. He said even though the continent remained underdeveloped summits such as FOCAC can bring about progress on industrialisation.

The first Ministerial Conference of FOCAC was held in Beijing in October 2000. After the conference, China cancelled RMB10.9 billion of debts for 31 heavily indebted poor countries or least developed countries in Africa.

ONSERVATIONIST OF THE YEAR AWARD DEDICATED TO RANGERS

ONSERVATIONIST OF THE YEAR AWARD DEDICATED TO RANGERS

South African National Parks (SANParks) Chief Executive Officer, Mr Fundisile Mketeni, has dedicated his ANN7 Conservationist of The Year Award to all SANParks Rangers who are involved in combating wildlife crime in the national parks of South Africa.

He said the work of a Ranger is diverse and complex. “However what is unquestionable is that every Ranger has a critical role to play in the management of our Protected Areas.” 

Mketeni who holds a Masters Degree in Environmental Management and has over 25 years working experience in Environmental Management & Bio-diversity Conservation, is a former Deputy Director General, Biodiversity Management at the Department of Environmental Affairs, and was announced the winner of the 2015 Conservationist of the Year at the ANN7 South African of The Year (SATY) Award ceremony held last night (Saturday, 17 October 2015) in Johannesburg.

The SATY Awards come directly after SANParks own Kudu Awards which were held on Friday, 16 October 2015 in Pretoria where Rangers by the Minister of Environmental Affairs, Edna Molewa for their continued commitment in the fight against illicit wildlife crime.

In his acceptance speech at the ANN7 SATY awards, Mketeni said “I am pleased that ANN7 has decided to include this category of conservation in this year’s SATY awards. I would like to dedicate my award to all those Rangers who even right now are fighting the battle against rhino poaching”.

He said Rangers are a key force in protecting the wildlife and have not only become a profession that commands respect but requires courage and commitment. “These heroes and heroines have been under tremendous pressure since the escalation of the assault on our rhino population, and we need to always have them in our thoughts as they hold the line against wildlife crime under extremely difficult circumstances”

According to Mketeni, It would be a travesty if we do not acknowledge their importance in this fight to save our wildlife. “They put their lives on the line every day and I shudder to think what the situation would be if we did not have these dedicated men and women in uniform.” 

“Nature is not there for the exploitation and benefit of a few through illegal means, but should benefit everybody and this is achieved by the work of Rangers on a daily basis,” concludes Mketeni.

KUDU AWARDS CELEBRATE CONSERVATION GIANTS

KUDU AWARDS CELEBRATE CONSERVATION GIANTS

The South African National Parks (SANParks) supported by Total SA and First National Bank (FNB) recognised deserving conservationists at their 11^th annual SANParks Kudu Awards ceremony held at CSIR Convention Centre in Pretoria this evening (16 October 2015).

According to Mr Fundisile Mketeni SANParks CEO, the Kudu Awards is a an important initiative that recognises internal and external stakeholders for their contribution in making South African National Parks the custodian of choice for the national parks system in South Africa. “These awards honour people for their meaningful contributions to the protection of the environment through various means which reflects society’s admirable social responsibility - giving meaning to the SANParks vision of ‘A Sustainable National Parks System Connecting Society’.”

Mr Danny Zandamela, CEO FNB Public Sector Banking one of the sponsors, added that this awards programme  is  fundamental to the practice of recognising, acknowledging and praising the people who have, over the years, created and maintained a conducive and enabling environment for nature conservation projects to be managed effectively. He further expressed that the individuals that have been recognised are at the forefront of inspiring, educating and mobilising their peers through their commitment to environmental issues.

Speaking at the same event the General Manager Strategy at Total South Africa, Ms Pansy Mekwa said as proud partners, these awards acknowledge and celebrate the brave and pioneering people who ensure that conservation remains a priority and that they inspire and remind us through their work how important it is that we all care for the natural world. “At Total SA our mission through this partnership is to highlight the importance of conservation and to instil a culture of pride in our natural heritage and a sense of responsibility for its ongoing preservation.”

As part of the awards the Minister of Environmental Affairs, Ms. Edna Molewa bestowed a Lifetime Contribution Award to James Mokoena from Golden Gate Highlands National Park, in the eastern Free State. Mokoena joined Golden Gate in 1975 as a hut attendant making 40 years of service to SANParks. He was defined as a person of integrity who performs his duties to the best of his ability even when nobody is watching.

Winners of the 2015 Kudu Awards in the respective categories are:

Associated Partners:

The Department of Economic Development and Tourism in the Northern Cape, were recognised for the enormous support in tourism development projects in the national parks located in Northern Cape.

Business Partner of the Year:

Lukimbi Safari Lodge in the Kruger National Park for the best year-on-year business growth of all the Public Private Partnerships and for their financial contribution to SANParks.

Corporate Contribution (Non-Profit Making Organisation):

The Wild Dog Advisory Group of South Africa (WDAG-SA) is the winner of this award for the management and conservation of the endangered African Wild Dogs for over 17 years. Through WDAG-SA there are 300 more wild dogs in South Africa.

The Howard G Buffet Foundation, a USA based philanthropic organisation was acknowledged for the biggest funding in anti-poaching operations in the Kruger National Park. SANParks anti-poaching operations was a beneficiary of a R254 million which assisted in the procuring of additional high tech and anti-poaching arsenal such as the purchasing of two aircraft with a night flying capabilities.   

Environmental Media: Best Print Journalist/ Best Electronic Journalist/ Best Publication, Programme or Website:

This year’s Environmental Media Award, Best Print Journalist of the Year went to Saturday’s Star Sheree Bega. For her consistent commitment, and dedication to various environmental and conservation issues in her reporting. In the Best Electronic Journalist of the Year, Bonne de Bon from 50/50 won in recognition of her passionate, balanced reporting on wildlife conservation issues and keeping the public updated and informed about environmental issues in South Africa.  

For the best publication/ programme/ website award Bonne de Bon and Susan Scott received the award for the body of work on 50/50 and Kyknet’s Groen which consistently provides in-depth reporting on rhino poaching issues and creates awareness in the local communities about the impact of rhino poaching to conservation and tourism.

Individual Contribution:

The Cape Town based Lindelani Mjexane from the Beyond Expectation Environmental Project, was recognised for his dedication in educating children on the importance of nature conservation. His project has educated 7500 children so far in Table Mountain National Park.

Community Contribution:

In this category, the Limpopo based Mothopong Community Project won for their efforts to conserve the environment through practising organic farming and removing alien invasive plants. They also play a role in eradicating poverty through donating produce from their gardens to poor households, crèches and schools in Lebowa Kgomo, Limpopo. 

Honorary Ranger Best Region of the Year:

This is the SANParks Honorary Rangers (a volunteer organisation working in national parks) Awards. This year’s winner is the Marakele Region, for achieving the highest hours of voluntary service, year on year growth in transformation, environmental education, membership growth and total contribution to the SANParks cause.  Marakele region is a small region, but has shown the true spirit of selfless service in support of our national parks, which defines the culture of the SANParks Honorary Rangers movement.

Honorary Ranger Best Project of the Year:

The second winner in the Honorary Rangers Awards category is the Sand River bush camp. Sand River is a volunteer run wilderness trails camp in Kruger National Park.  The SANParks Honorary Rangers run two camps per week hosting eight paying guests on walking trails.  The honorary ranger members are volunteers, who aim to help sustain conservation in our national parks.  The funds raised are used to support Kruger National Park through the Parks Wish List system.  Because of the high standard of guest satisfaction achieved, Sand River bush camps are fully sold throughout the year.

Environmental Education/ Capacity Building Award:

The Johannesburg based Delta Environmental Centre received the Environmental Capacity award for their commitment to impart environmental knowledge to different communities and schools that they come in contact with.

The Awards evening also saw SANParks staff members being rewarded through the Chief Executive Awards. A total of 25 Chief Executive Awards were given out this year ranging from the Shield Award, Best Customer Service, Best Constituency Builder, Best Ranger Post, Best Performing Camp, Best Performing Park of the Year, Best Customer Service, Excellent Performance in the workplace, Overall Best Performer, Best Performing Division, Leadership Award, CEO Special Award to the Website Community Choice Award.