benin

takoradi

togo

guinea

niger

africa

ghana

sierra leone

lagos

ivory coast

liberia

burkina faso

gambia

mali

senegal

porto

akanu

lomé

nigeria

abidjan

african development bank

Visionary road and rail projects are set to change the African corridor landscape over the next decade.
The African Development Bank (AfDB) recently announced it had secured the $15.6-billion funding needed for a “game-changing” 4500-kilometreWest African highway that will connect 14 countries – Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Togo.
This will complement six cross-border East African Community projects covering around 1500km, and road upgrades and construction in southern Africa.
Other projects will connect cities on the east and west coasts.
A new 1 028km coastal highway, which is expected to cost $15.6bn, will go from Lagos in Nigeria and Abidjan, Ivory Coast, passing through Benin, Togo and Ghana.
Funding for the project is being organised by the African Development Bank (AfDB).
The six-lane motorway will be built in three phases: a 295km link between Abidjan and Takoradi in Ghana; 466km from Takoradi to Akanu (Ghana); and 320km route to Lagos, passing through Lomé in Togo and Porto-Novo in Benin. Eight border posts will also be built along the corridor.
Road linkages on the eastern seaboard are being driven by the Northern Corridor Transit and Transportation Coordination Authority, which is establishing a multimodal trade route linking Mombasa to Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, the rest of Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan and Uganda.
Another “game changer” is a continent-wide high-speed magnetic levitation (maglev) rail network planned by Zürich’s Afrailwaysand Namibia’s Groot Suisse Industries.
The network will link 80% of Africa’s population at speeds of up to 431km an hour.
Afrail Express will have the capacity to transport more than 600 million passengers and 500 million packages a week, according to Rachel Long, VP, corporate strategy at Afrailways.
The first phase will connect Cape Town to Casablanca via Windhoek, Luanda, Lusaka, Kinshasa, Lagos and Dakar, then from Casablanca to Cairo via Tripoli, and then from Cairo to Cape Town via Nairobi, Kigali, Harare, Gaborone, and Johannesburg.
Construction is due to begin in May 2024 at multiple sites in different countries, with trains starting to run in 2033, according to Long.
View the discussion thread.
The SAATM will provide more open market access for airlines registered in participating countries.
This is going to be a long but necessary outage – the first of its kind for Koeberg, says chief nuclear officer.
The spend by the South African logistics industry on AI predicted to reach $187m by 2025.
In the past financial year, the CDC acquired 13 new investors with a combined pledged investment value of R557.7 million.
It’s not supply chains competing in the country, but South Africa Inc, says Saaff CEO.
Lufthansa may still choose to become a minority partner or walk away from the offer completely.
Eskom has set a new record with its inability to provide for the country’s electricity demand, losing 24000 megawatts or 47% of its entire network.
Report shows that airline revenues were reduced by 50% in 2020 and by 40% in 2021.
Latest figures are likely to be dragged down at the end of Q1 in the New Year.
Roll-on roll-off vessel apparently ran into trouble south of Cape Agulhas on its way to Dar es Salaam.
Development can be fast-tracked through new and smart partnerships, says Ebrahim Patel.
There are positive factors that may improve the sector’s final fourth-quarter production numbers.

Freight News

Paradigm-shifting road and rail projects set to change African landscape

Road and rail projects set to change African landscape

accra

nairobi

dakar

south africa

kenya airways

department of transport

african civil aviation commission

airlines association of southern africa

A precursor to the establishment of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) is to forge ahead with a bloc of African countries, including South Africa, agreeing to take part ina pilot implementation project (PIP) under the auspices of the African Civil Aviation Commission (Afcac).
The SAATM will provide more open market access for airlines registered in participating countries.
Under the PIP, on December 11 Kenya Airways will launch a new Nairobi-Accra-Dakar service with fifth freedom traffic rights, enabling it to pick up and drop off passengers flying between Accra and Dakar. It will target corporate passengers on this route with nine weekly Nairobi-Accra flights, of which four will extend to Dakar.
However, South Africa’s airlines still remain in the dark as the Department of Transport has not yet briefed them nor provided guidance on how to participate or about the processes involved.
Airlines Association of Southern Africa (Aasa) CEOAaron Munetsisays South African airlines could benefit from participating in the PIP as it should give them access to new markets.
“The PIP seeks to level the playing field for our South African airlines because they will be able to complete their expansion programmes into those other participating African countries without any hindrances. It should enable participating airlines to operate flights to destinations they choose and at frequencies they determine, on the basis of prior notification to, and approval granted by authorities, instead of within the confines of onerously prescriptive bilateral air service agreements.”
If it does what it says, the PIP will give passengers greater choice of airlines, destinations and routings, with competition driving down ticket prices. “The PIP is a very good example of cooperation and commitment amongst like-minded African countries for the benefit of all sectors of the economy and population,” Munetsi adds.
SAATM, in addition to greater market access, is meant to provide harmonised regulatory and tariff frameworks and dispute resolution mechanisms. If and when achieved, it would mark a departure from the current system where pairs of countries negotiate bilateral air service agreements that prescribe market access, destinations, capacity, frequency and the number of carriers permitted to operate them.
It is an African Union (AU) flagship project alongside the Africa Continental Free Trade Area and the Free Movement of Persons Protocol. Together they are the essential pillars of the AU’s Agenda 2063 initiative to progress Africa's development.
The open skies for Africa concept was first mooted by the World Bank in November 1988 and adopted by the then Organisation of African Unity as the Yamoussoukro Declaration.A lack of support from member states of the OAU and its successor, the African Union, saw it undergo changes in 1999 and again in 2016 when it was repackaged as SAATM and launched by the AU in 2018.
So far, 34 of the AU’s 55 members, representing about 80% of Africa’s airline traffic, have indicated support for SAATM and, of those, 17 have ratified their commitment and are involved in the PIP. They are Kenya, Ethiopia, Rwanda, South Africa, Cape Verde, Côte d'Ivoire, Cameroon, Ghana, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Senegal, Togo, Zambia, Niger and Gabon.
Iata supports the opening up of Africa's skies and the associated regulatory reform to create greater connectivity. Competition will drive operating efficiencies, which, in turn, will reduce the cost of air transport and the cost of doing business in Africa.It will stimulate travel, tourism and trade, attract investment and the resultant economic growth will create jobs, sustain livelihoods, promote social stability and enhance competitiveness.
SAATM has met some resistance. In 2018, the Airlines of Nigeria industry body opposed SAATM over concerns that it could not guarantee a fair and level playing field.
– Travel News / Marita Nortjé
View the discussion thread.
This is going to be a long but necessary outage – the first of its kind for Koeberg, says chief nuclear officer.
The spend by the South African logistics industry on AI predicted to reach $187m by 2025.
In the past financial year, the CDC acquired 13 new investors with a combined pledged investment value of R557.7 million.
It’s not supply chains competing in the country, but South Africa Inc, says Saaff CEO.
Lufthansa may still choose to become a minority partner or walk away from the offer completely.
Eskom has set a new record with its inability to provide for the country’s electricity demand, losing 24000 megawatts or 47% of its entire network.
Report shows that airline revenues were reduced by 50% in 2020 and by 40% in 2021.
Latest figures are likely to be dragged down at the end of Q1 in the New Year.
Roll-on roll-off vessel apparently ran into trouble south of Cape Agulhas on its way to Dar es Salaam.
Development can be fast-tracked through new and smart partnerships, says Ebrahim Patel.
There are positive factors that may improve the sector’s final fourth-quarter production numbers.
Data strongly suggests that it’s the end of the line for the carrier profitability boom, according to Sea-Intelligence.

African open skies on the horizon

airlines association of southern africa ceoaaron munetsisays south

A precursor to the establishment of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) is to forge ahead with a bloc of African countries, including South Africa, agreeing to take part ina pilot implementation project (PIP) under the auspices of the African Civil Aviation Commission.
The SAATM will provide more open market access for airlines registered in participating countries.
Under the PIP, on December 11 Kenya Airways will launch a new Nairobi-Accra-Dakar service with fifth freedom traffic rights, enabling it to pick up and drop off passengers flying between Accra and Dakar. It will target corporate passengers on this route with nine weekly Nairobi-Accra flights, of which four will extend to Dakar.
However, South Africa’s airlines still remain in the dark as the Department of Transport has not yet briefed them nor provided guidance on how to participate or about the processes involved.
Airlines Association of Southern Africa CEOAaron Munetsisays South African airlines could benefit from participating in the PIP as it should give them access to new markets.
“The PIP seeks to level the playing field for our South African airlines because they will be able to complete their expansion programmes into those other participating African countries without any hindrances. It should enable participating airlines to operate flights to destinations they choose and at frequencies they determine, on the basis of prior notification to, and approval granted by authorities, instead of within the confines of onerously prescriptive bilateral air service agreements.”
If it does what it says, the PIP will give passengers greater choice of airlines, destinations and routings, with competition driving down ticket prices. “The PIP is a very good example of cooperation and commitment amongst like-minded African countries for the benefit of all sectors of the economy and population,” Munetsi adds.
SAATM, in addition to greater market access, is meant to provide harmonised regulatory and tariff frameworks and dispute resolution mechanisms. If and when achieved, it would mark a departure from the current system where pairs of countries negotiate bilateral air service agreements that prescribe market access, destinations, capacity, frequency and the number of carriers permitted to operate them.
It is an African Union (AU) flagship project alongside the Africa Continental Free Trade Area and the Free Movement of Persons Protocol. Together they are the essential pillars of the AU’s Agenda 2063 initiative to progress Africa's development.
The open skies for Africa concept was first mooted by the World Bank in November 1988 and adopted by the then Organisation of African Unity as the Yamoussoukro Declaration.A lack of support from member states of the OAU and its successor, the African Union, saw it undergo changes in 1999 and again in 2016 when it was repackaged as SAATM and launched by the AU in 2018.
So far, 34 of the AU’s 55 members, representing about 80% of Africa’s airline traffic, have indicated support for SAATM and, of those, 17 have ratified their commitment and are involved in the PIP. They are Kenya, Ethiopia, Rwanda, South Africa, Cape Verde, Côte d'Ivoire, Cameroon, Ghana, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Senegal, Togo, Zambia, Niger and Gabon.
Iata supports the opening up of Africa's skies and the associated regulatory reform to create greater connectivity. Competition will drive operating efficiencies, which, in turn, will reduce the cost of air transport and the cost of doing business in Africa.It will stimulate travel, tourism and trade, attract investment and the resultant economic growth will create jobs, sustain livelihoods, promote social stability and enhance competitiveness.
SAATM has met some resistance. In 2018, the Airlines of Nigeria industry body opposed SAATM over concerns that it could not guarantee a fair and level playing field.
– Travel News / Marita Nortjé
View the discussion thread.
A game-changing project is a continent-wide high-speed magnetic levitation rail network that will link 80% of Africa’s population.
This is going to be a long but necessary outage – the first of its kind for Koeberg, says chief nuclear officer.
The spend by the South African logistics industry on AI predicted to reach $187m by 2025.
In the past financial year, the CDC acquired 13 new investors with a combined pledged investment value of R557.7 million.
It’s not supply chains competing in the country, but South Africa Inc, says Saaff CEO.
Lufthansa may still choose to become a minority partner or walk away from the offer completely.
Eskom has set a new record with its inability to provide for the country’s electricity demand, losing 24000 megawatts or 47% of its entire network.
Report shows that airline revenues were reduced by 50% in 2020 and by 40% in 2021.
Latest figures are likely to be dragged down at the end of Q1 in the New Year.
Roll-on roll-off vessel apparently ran into trouble south of Cape Agulhas on its way to Dar es Salaam.
Development can be fast-tracked through new and smart partnerships, says Ebrahim Patel.
There are positive factors that may improve the sector’s final fourth-quarter production numbers.

Open skies for Africa on the horizon

koeberg nuclear power station

koeberg

eskom

koeberg power station

sadika touffie

” touffie

Eskom has delayed the start of the Koeberg Nuclear Power Station’s maintenance outage to next week Saturday to allow the strained national power grid to stabilise and recover some generation capacity.
This after the power utility implemented stage 6 power cuts until Friday morning – leaving some neighbourhoods without any power for up to four hours per rotation.
Eskom Acting Chief Nuclear Officer, Sadika Touffie, said the decision to delay the refuelling and maintenance outage was necessary.
“While Eskom is ready to commence with the outage, with the contractors and all the requisite resources on standby, grid stability is an important consideration prior to shutting down the Unit 1 reactor to commence the maintenance and refuelling outage.
“This is going to be a long but necessary outage – the first of its kind for Koeberg. Eskom has taken care to ensure no undue delays are experienced once the project gets under way,” Touffie said.
Eskom warned that outage of the unit would create some pressure on the grid as it is the power utility’s biggest and most reliable unit.
“The [Unit one] outage will be for a duration of approximately six months. The extended unavailability of the unit is due to the planned long outages which does mean the electricity supply system may be under additional strain during the outage.
“Koeberg Nuclear Power Station is an important part of the Eskom generating fleet due to its reliable operation, low primary energy costs, its strategic location in the Western Cape to stabilise the national electricity grid, and the fact that it is a clean source of energy.
“The Koeberg units, at 920MW each, are the largest generating units on the African continent. Their safe and reliable operation is a significant contributor to meeting the country’s electricity demand. The Koeberg outages are planned at times of the year when the impact on the overall electricity supply is minimised as far as possible,” the power utility said.
Eskom added that the outage for the power station was unavoidable and critical to ensuring that it continued to run safely.
“Unlike other types of power stations, where fuel can be added to continue generating power, the fuel at a nuclear power station is sealed inside a reactor vessel, which is opened for refuelling every 15 to 18 months. This is also a time when the station will perform certain required inspections on equipment and perform more intrusive maintenance that cannot be performed when the unit is online.
“The rigorous maintenance, inspection and testing programmes are some of the critical activities that ensure that the plant remains safe and able to deliver this reliable level of performance,” Eskom said. –SAnews.gov.za
View the discussion thread.
A game-changing project is a continent-wide high-speed magnetic levitation rail network that will link 80% of Africa’s population.
The SAATM will provide more open market access for airlines registered in participating countries.
The spend by the South African logistics industry on AI predicted to reach $187m by 2025.
In the past financial year, the CDC acquired 13 new investors with a combined pledged investment value of R557.7 million.
It’s not supply chains competing in the country, but South Africa Inc, says Saaff CEO.
Lufthansa may still choose to become a minority partner or walk away from the offer completely.
Eskom has set a new record with its inability to provide for the country’s electricity demand, losing 24000 megawatts or 47% of its entire network.
Report shows that airline revenues were reduced by 50% in 2020 and by 40% in 2021.
Latest figures are likely to be dragged down at the end of Q1 in the New Year.
Roll-on roll-off vessel apparently ran into trouble south of Cape Agulhas on its way to Dar es Salaam.
Development can be fast-tracked through new and smart partnerships, says Ebrahim Patel.
There are positive factors that may improve the sector’s final fourth-quarter production numbers.

Eskom delays Koeberg Power Station maintenance

Eskom has delayed the start of the Koeberg Nuclear Power Station’s maintenance outage to next week Saturday to allow the strained national power grid to stabilise and recover some generation capacity.
This after the power utility implemented stage 6 power cuts until Friday morning – leaving some neighbourhoods without any power for up to four hours per rotation.
Eskom Acting Chief Nuclear Officer, Sadika Touffie, said the decision to delay the refuelling and maintenance outage was necessary.
“While Eskom is ready to commence with the outage, with the contractors and all the requisite resources on standby, grid stability is an important consideration prior to shutting down the Unit 1 reactor to commence the maintenance and refuelling outage.
“This is going to be a long but necessary outage – the first of its kind for Koeberg. Eskom has taken care to ensure no undue delays are experienced once the project gets under way,” Touffie said.
Eskom warned that outage of the unit would create some pressure on the grid as it is the power utility’s biggest and most reliable unit.
“The [Unit one] outage will be for a duration of approximately six months. The extended unavailability of the unit is due to the planned long outages which does mean the electricity supply system may be under additional strain during the outage.
“Koeberg Nuclear Power Station is an important part of the Eskom generating fleet due to its reliable operation, low primary energy costs, its strategic location in the Western Cape to stabilise the national electricity grid, and the fact that it is a clean source of energy.
“The Koeberg units, at 920MW each, are the largest generating units on the African continent. Their safe and reliable operation is a significant contributor to meeting the country’s electricity demand. The Koeberg outages are planned at times of the year when the impact on the overall electricity supply is minimised as far as possible,” the power utility said.
Eskom added that the outage for the power station was unavoidable and critical to ensuring that it continued to run safely.
“Unlike other types of power stations, where fuel can be added to continue generating power, the fuel at a nuclear power station is sealed inside a reactor vessel, which is opened for refuelling every 15 to 18 months. This is also a time when the station will perform certain required inspections on equipment and perform more intrusive maintenance that cannot be performed when the unit is online.
“The rigorous maintenance, inspection and testing programmes are some of the critical activities that ensure that the plant remains safe and able to deliver this reliable level of performance,” Eskom said. –SAnews.gov.za
View the discussion thread.
The SAATM will provide more open market access for airlines registered in participating countries.
The spend by the South African logistics industry on AI predicted to reach $187m by 2025.
In the past financial year, the CDC acquired 13 new investors with a combined pledged investment value of R557.7 million.
It’s not supply chains competing in the country, but South Africa Inc, says Saaff CEO.
Lufthansa may still choose to become a minority partner or walk away from the offer completely.
Eskom has set a new record with its inability to provide for the country’s electricity demand, losing 24000 megawatts or 47% of its entire network.
Report shows that airline revenues were reduced by 50% in 2020 and by 40% in 2021.
Latest figures are likely to be dragged down at the end of Q1 in the New Year.
Roll-on roll-off vessel apparently ran into trouble south of Cape Agulhas on its way to Dar es Salaam.
Development can be fast-tracked through new and smart partnerships, says Ebrahim Patel.
There are positive factors that may improve the sector’s final fourth-quarter production numbers.
Data strongly suggests that it’s the end of the line for the carrier profitability boom, according to Sea-Intelligence.

Eskom delays Koeberg Power Station maintenance outage

coega

coega sez

coega’s human capital solutions

coega development corporation

coeg

Coega has reaffirmed its position as a leading Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Africa and a preferred domestic and foreign direct investment destination. Despite a challenging economic environment, the Coega Development Corporation (CDC) continues to welcome new investors to its SEZ. As operator and developer of the Coega SEZ, the CDC's overarching objective is to boost economic growth and job creation through investment, in pursuit of socioeconomic development. In the past financial year, the CDC acquired 13 new investors with a combined pledged investment value of R557.7 million.
Investment is the key to generating employment opportunities. Over the past financial year, job creation stood at a commendable 19 199, and the number of persons trained at 3 296. To date, the CDC has 55 operational investors. The promotion of skills development is also important, which is where Coega’s Human Capital Solutions division plays a key role – not only in upskilling beneficiaries for employability, but by providing skills development, training, and recruitment services to Coega investors and Coega construction contractors. Since 2002, 65 594 construction jobs have been created through Coega projects, comprising 41 865 Coega SEZ construction jobs and 23 729 Port of Ngqura construction jobs (projects supported by Coega Human Capital Solutions).
In terms of facilities that are readily available to businesses outside of the SEZ, and amongst a variety of other facilities, the Coega Trade Facilitation Unit’s Customs Control Area (CCA) Warehouse can be used as a storage facility for businesses across the region, as well as SEZ investors that require storage and warehousing space prior to freight distribution. Based on its location in the heart of a fully functional “plug and play” special economic zone, the CCA Warehouse is built on world-class infrastructure - including roads, bulk water and sewer networks, telecommunication sleeve networks, electrical substations (HV and MV), and overhead power lines (HV and MV).
The CDC has sustained continuous improvement in all areas of priority, with a commitment to our mission to be a competitive investment location supported by value-added business services that effectively enable socio-economic development. Coega SEZ is demarcated into 14 zones for synergy and supply chain integration, which garner investment in the energy, metals, logistics, automotive, chemicals, aquaculture and agroprocessing, maritime, and business process outsourcing sectors. Prevailing major investors include the Dedisa Power Peaking Plant in Zone 13, which invested R3.5 billion, FAW SA in Zone 2, with a R600-million investment, as well as CEMZA in Zone 5, which invested R600 million.
Follow us on social media:
Facebook: CoegaDevCorp; Twitter: @CoegaDevCorp; LinkedIn: Coega Development Corporation; Instagram: Coega Development Corporation; and YouTube: CoegaDevCorp
Coega SEZ Zone Map - Coega SEZ offers clustering for synergy and supply chain integration across its current focus sectors - energy, metals, logistics, automotive, chemicals, aquaculture and agroprocessing, maritime, and business process outsourcing.
View the discussion thread.
It’s not supply chains competing in the country, but South Africa Inc, says Saaff CEO.
Lufthansa may still choose to become a minority partner or walk away from the offer completely.
Eskom has set a new record with its inability to provide for the country’s electricity demand, losing 24000 megawatts or 47% of its entire network.
Report shows that airline revenues were reduced by 50% in 2020 and by 40% in 2021.
Latest figures are likely to be dragged down at the end of Q1 in the New Year.
Roll-on roll-off vessel apparently ran into trouble south of Cape Agulhas on its way to Dar es Salaam.
Development can be fast-tracked through new and smart partnerships, says Ebrahim Patel.
There are positive factors that may improve the sector’s final fourth-quarter production numbers.
Data strongly suggests that it’s the end of the line for the carrier profitability boom, according to Sea-Intelligence.
Rolling blackouts of six to eight hours cumulatively every day once again implemented.
Infrastructural development still behind schedule.
Figures buoyed by better use of rail freight capacity.

Coega reaffirms position as preferred investment destination

anti-ageing & integrative medicine

As always, we bring out four print editions a year, one at the beginning of each season…
- March (autumn)
- June (winter)
- September (spring)
- December (summer) – on sale now
A2’s print magazine and blog both comprehensively cover the following sections:
- The Aesthetic Report (aesthetic treatments and procedures, injectables, treatments)
- Anti-Ageing & Integrative Medicine (a holistic approach to your overall health and wellness through nutrition, exercise, hormone balance etc)
- Skin Sense (focusing on your skin, skin concerns, treatments, procedures and products to use)
- Dental Techniques (interesting info and options in cosmetic and aesthetic dentistry)
- And lastly, Cosmetic and Reconstructive Surgery (touching on cosmetic and reconstructive surgery options whether they are for cosmetic or medical reasons)
We cover varying topics within each of the above sections in every print magazine, plus regularly update our blog, www.a2magazine.co.za, with information in-between magazines. So be sure to never miss an edition and check in regularly with us on the blog and social media.
Happy reading with us in this beautiful new season!
In this issue…
Where to get A2 Aesthetic & Anti-Ageing Magazine
Click here for soft copies on the Magzter app to read on your Apple or Android device anywhere, anytime.
Get in touch with A2 Magazine
Website: www.a2magazine.co.za
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A2 Aesthetic and Anti-Ageing Magazine

Inside the Latest A2 Magazine Summer 2022 Edition (Dec 2022 – Mar 2023 – Issue 43)

statista

world bank

Rollout of internet connectivity across Africa is supporting the digitisation of the management of logistics chains and corridors.
According to Statista, around four out of 10 people in Africa are connected, with the number of internet users on the continent expected to reach 565 million by the end of 2022.
More than 60% of the continent is covered by 4G mobile phone networks.
This connectivity is supporting the growth of e-commerce across Africa.
E-commerce is a known driver of the digitisation of logistics chains.
The US department of commerce estimates that there will be more than half a billion e-commerce users by 2025.
StockApps.com estimates the market will be worth $46.1 billion.
“The logic of growth in this area is pretty much based on technology jumps that do occur within Africa because of historically missing economic infrastructure, such as banks, telecom landlines, etc,” the department states on its website.
Every 10% increase in mobile internet penetration in Africa could generate a 2.5% increase in gross domestic product, according to the World Bank.
Logistics companies have embraced the opportunities created by the connectivity.
A Briter Bridges survey of logistics tech companies across the continent identified three trends – the digitisation of logistics, rising demand for B2B logistics companies, and closing the urban-rural divide.
Being connected through ever-higher speeds allows logistics companies to overcome skills shortages by making greater use of artificial intelligence (AI).
McKinsey predicts that almost a third of the value to be created by AI in the next 20 years will result from applying the technology to supply chains.
Goldman Sachs estimates that AI-powered robotics, automation, process optimisation, and data analytics can reduce costs by 5%.
TechInsight360 predicts that the spend by the South African logistics industry on AI will reach $187m by 2025.
View the discussion thread.
In the past financial year, the CDC acquired 13 new investors with a combined pledged investment value of R557.7 million.
It’s not supply chains competing in the country, but South Africa Inc, says Saaff CEO.
Lufthansa may still choose to become a minority partner or walk away from the offer completely.
Eskom has set a new record with its inability to provide for the country’s electricity demand, losing 24000 megawatts or 47% of its entire network.
Report shows that airline revenues were reduced by 50% in 2020 and by 40% in 2021.
Latest figures are likely to be dragged down at the end of Q1 in the New Year.
Roll-on roll-off vessel apparently ran into trouble south of Cape Agulhas on its way to Dar es Salaam.
Development can be fast-tracked through new and smart partnerships, says Ebrahim Patel.
There are positive factors that may improve the sector’s final fourth-quarter production numbers.
Data strongly suggests that it’s the end of the line for the carrier profitability boom, according to Sea-Intelligence.
Rolling blackouts of six to eight hours cumulatively every day once again implemented.
Infrastructural development still behind schedule.

Digitisation reshaping African logistics

2022 has been a bumper year for games, with some long-awaited sequels, new franchises, and incredibly ambitious games seeing their release; but when it comes to which games stood tallest, which titles deserve the nod of approval for the best of 2022?
Sniper Elite 5
Available on: Xbox One | PS4 | Xbox Series X/S | PS5 | Switch | PC
The much-loved, Nazi testicle-destroying franchise returned in its best form, as Sniper Elite 5 delivered another sharpshooting adventure for players to indulge in. Much like a WWII Hitman, you’re dropped into a sandbox environment and tasked with taking out a VIP, planting some bombs, stealing documents, or a variety of other primary and secondary tasks. You’re free to go about doing these in any order and how you see fit, and that freedom of choice is where the game shines. Sniper Elite 5 does have some awkward invisible walls and the odd choppy animation, but nothing that breaks the experience. Thankfully, everything that was great about the series was beefed-up, with replayability at an all-time high thanks to the bigger and denser levels.
Evil West
Available on: Xbox One | PS4 | Xbox Series X/S | PS5 | PC
Evil West feels like a game from a bygone period of the last couple of generations, and we mean that in the best of ways. It’s direct, confident, and delivers simple mechanics but a wealth of ways to combo them together for a fun gameplay loop that sees you take control of a steampunk vampire hunter in this third-person action adventure. It’s weirdly reminiscent of gems like Wet and 50 Cent: Blood in the Sand, and much like those games, Evil West will likely become a cult classic in years to come.
A Plague Tale: Requiem
Available on: Xbox One | PS4 | Xbox Series X/S | PS5 | Switch | PC
A sequel to one of the most unique and underappreciated hits of 2019, A Plague Tale: Innocence, delivers a historical-supernatural adventure following a young woman and her brother who has the ability to control rats. Requiem follows a similar set-up to the first game, requiring you to overcome enemies, obstacles, and puzzles using whichever route you choose: whether it be stealth, sneak attacks, or the environment. However, the sequel adds a lot to the formula, allowing you to trick enemies with more environmental hazards, along with new weapons and abilities which are a lot of fun to experiment with. Of course, the game is still very much a linear experience, and a great one at that. It’s a joy to play through, is breathtakingly beautiful and delivers another heart-tugging story about siblings fighting for one another’s survival.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II
Available on: Xbox One | PS4 | Xbox Series X/S | PS5 | PC
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II is a fitting sequel for the more focused and refined experience that we’re witnessing with the latest CoD entries on current-gen hardware. It doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it doesn’t really need to, as the Call of Duty formula is one that works, and works well. The campaign will tickle fans of the series, giving them 5-6 hours of entertainment, and the multiplayer, while familiar, is a little slicker this time around thanks to some small tweaks.
God of War: Ragnarok
Available on: PS4 | PS5
2018’s soft-reboot/sequel to the beloved hack-‘n-slash God of War franchise proved to be a massive risk, but a huge hit. As a result, the sequel, God of War: Ragnarök, had some lofty expectations after its predecessor’s praise, and it’s satisfying to say that while Ragnarök doesn’t add too many new things, it also doesn’t fall into the ‘sequelitis’ problem of trying too hard, rather giving fans another adventure that feels very much like a ‘Part 2’ of an on-going journey. Truth be told, it’s not a massive leap forward. However, the first game was such a giant stride in its own right that calling this a worthy successor is a compliment of the highest order. God of War: Ragnarök is a must-play for anyone who owns a PS5 or PS4.
Horizon: Forbidden West
Available on: PS4 | PS5
Horizon: Forbidden West is massive, jaw-droppingly gorgeous, challenging, and a notable step up from the previous game, Horizon: Forbidden Dawn. Its hunting, combat, and exploration mechanics have all been refined, and an added dose of cinematic quality to the story moments makes Forbidden West one of the best games you can play on the Playstation platform. If you love open-world adventures with ferocious and challenging combat mixed in with some puzzles, jaw-dropping visuals, and a gripping post-apocalyptic story, you don’t need to think twice about picking up Horizon: Forbidden West.
Elden Ring
Available on: Xbox One | PS4 | Xbox Series X/S | PS5 | PC
Elden Ring is easily the biggest, most difficult, and gorgeous game to come out of the From Software studio. While it does try and differentiate itself, it does feel like a Souls game — the look, HUD, mechanics, and overall design of the game are very similar to those entries. That’s not a bad thing, though, as fans of the previous releases will feel right at home with Elden Ring. Technical combat, grotesque beasts, and high-fantasy are still name of the game here, however, the addition of being able to travel and fight on horseback is a great addition, giving you another combat option where possible. It’s not for everyone, and you will get punished a few times before you find your feet and begin to systematically work through the enemies and bosses, but it’s a great adventure for those that like a challenge.
Which game was your favourite of the year? Let us know by tweeting @MenStuffZA, posting on our Facebook page, or commenting below.
rAge Gaming Expo in SA: Tickets, Dates & Everything You Need to Know

MenStuff

7 Best Games of 2022

cape town gardens

sunsquare cape town gardens

sunsquare gardens

southern sun hotels adds pet-friendly option southern sun

richard keet

Southern Sun hotel group has announced that its SunSquare Cape Town Gardens location is now pet-friendly.
The hotel group announced that the SunSquare Gardens is now a ‘SunPet’ hotel, allowing guests to bring their pets, with certain limitations, of course.
The hotel’s General Manager, Richard Keet and his team are ready to welcome furry, four-legged guests as a new addition to their arrivals this holiday season. “We understand that for many people, their pets are part of their family, so travelling without them is unthinkable,” he says. “The location and facilities at SunSquare Cape Town Gardens lend themselves to welcoming pets, so the decision to convert it to a pet-friendly hotel has been quite natural and involved a simple refurbishment.”
Based on their proximity to the foyer and gardens, several rooms in the hotel were selected for the pet-friendly conversion. These were refurbished and fitted with hygienic vinyl flooring to provide both comfort and practicality for guests and their pets, to ensure a relaxed and enjoyable stay.
The conversion also included attention being given to the dining experience. “SunPets are invited to join their families on the terrace for breakfast, lunch or dinner (and everything in between) at our trendy Zepi restaurant,” says Keet. Pet meals can be ordered from the SunPet Gourmet Menu, which offers a range of nutritious and delicious individually packaged dishes made with real ingredients.
Operations Director for Southern Sun’s Western Cape region, Samantha Clingham says, “The SunSquare Cape Town Gardens team has done a great job of opening to the pet-friendly market, and we are excited to welcome a new profile of guest to what could soon become the most popular pet-friendly destination in Cape Town.”
SunPet friendly rooms are available at an additional surcharge of R250 per room per night, with a once off R500 non-refundable payment per stay. SunPets receive a welcome treat on arrival, pet bedding for the ultimate SunPet sleep experience, and access to a selection of bowls, mats, toys and other conveniences during their stay.
New Men’s Grooming Haven ‘Medellin’ Launches in CT CBD

Southern Sun Hotels Adds Pet-Friendly Option

china

chinese covid

China’s ongoing zero-tolerance approach to Covid is causing supply chain chaos around the world.While the Chinese Covid policy, which has led to long lockdowns in major cities and suspended operations in factories and businesses, has had a massive impact on the country’s overall economic growth, it is also stalling global supply chains.Due to the demanding quarantine and testing rules, truck drivers in Chinese cities have been hit exceptionally hard, with the rules significantly increasing the time it takes to get cargo to Chinese ports for export. This has led to ocean freight being diverted to alternative ports.Considering that supply chains thrive on predictability, the ongoing uncertainty in China has led to unstable operating conditions, making any kind of prediction near impossible.The reduced manufacturing capacity in the country has also had an impact. Apple is estimating that production at its major China plant could fall by as much as 30% by the end of the year amid all the Covid curbs. This is not good news for the electronics firm as it will severely impact its end-of-year holiday sales. Global fashion brand Nike has reported that not only has its output at factories dropped, but retail sales in China have dropped by as much as 50% in affected areas.Lockdowns in various Chinese cities are continuing, despite restrictions now being lifted in most parts of the world.
View the discussion thread.

Production and retail sales plummet amid lockdowns

hong kong

chan

paul chan

The global economy faces daunting challenges in light of ongoing geopolitical tension, the lingering pandemic, trade disputes, high inf lation, and tightening monetary policies, says Paul Chan, Financial Secretary of Hong Kong.This places governments under extreme pressure to manage their lagging economies and maintain any form of growth.“Economies are being severely tested,” he said during his keynote address at the Asian Logistics Maritime and Aviation Conference. “Hong Kong is no different, and has also been hit hard by these global challenges and uncertainties. Our growth has slowed down.”He says now, more than ever, it is important to look at the fundamentals of one’s trade partners and, in the case of Hong Kong, these remain strong.“Hong Kong is a testament to resilience,” says Chan. “Over the past 25 years, it has managed to overcome several challenges, including the Asian financial crisis in 1998, the SARS epidemic, the global financial challenge, and the Covid-19 pandemic.”According to Chan, there remains a clear direction in the government’s plans to build the city and region as an international shipping centre and aviation hub. “It continues to play an extremely important integration role in the country, driving economic development. Hong Kong embraces opportunities in logistics and sees itself playing a leading role as a logistics hub.”Chan said there was a strategic direction in this regard and a major effort was being taken to not only create sustainable supply chains but boost connectivity, innovation and collaboration.Ensuring competitiveness“Hong Kong fundamentally believes in these three aspects. We also believe in competitiveness and are working hard to ensure our logistics sector is exactly that.”Ongoing investment into the development and maintenance of its world-class infrastructure ensured that it was not only connected but also efficient. “Before the pandemic, our aviation network was tied to more than 200 destinations worldwide. Hong Kong is geographically very well situated and the Hong Kong International Airport has been the world’s busiest cargo airport for 11 years running, including the challenging year of 2021.”While traffic through the airport has been severely impacted by the Covid pandemic, the city has continued to invest in its facilities to ensure it does not lose its status as an aviation hub to regional rivals.In July this year, a third runway was opened at the airport as part of an $18-billion project that will increase the airport footprint by at least 50%. Construction of an entertainment, retail and commercial complex is continuing. The airport is also expanding its terminals, building a new concourse and baggage handling system.According to Chan, these infrastructure investments are for the long term, while moves are being made in the short term to return traffic to the city.Airport upgrades“Upgrades to the airport are scheduled for completion by 2024. It will significantly enlarge our passenger and cargo handling capacity. This, in turn, will enhance our competitiveness and only further boost our status as an international aviation hub. The airport authority is also expanding the intermodal transport networks at the airport to further enhance connectivity between the airport and the city and beyond.”It was not just the air sector that was getting attention, said Chan. “Sea connectivity is just as important to Hong Kong, which has consistently been one of the top 10 container ports in the world. We are a major regional transhipment hub and handled nearly 80 million 20-foot containers last year”He said with 270 weekly sailings to more than 600 destinations, the city was, however, not resting on its laurels, but continuing to enhance its intermodal shipping connectivity. “As a city, we have a sea and air advantage. It delivers a competitive advantage to the city.”According to Chan, concessions for maritime enterprises have been rolled out to incentivise and boost the sector.“This is an opportunity for overseas companies who can now capitalise on Hong Kong’s geographical position and its connectivity with mainland China. This allows them to tap into the enormous business opportunities offered by our economy and, in particular, the potential business opportunities with China.“We have a huge consumer market with many investment opportunities to tap into. Furthermore, we make it easy to do business here. It is a global city with a long-standing belief in the free market and multilateralism. That means we go out of our way to reduce trade barriers.”
View the discussion thread.

Hong Kong reaffirms sea and air hub strategy

gansu

morocco

cape town.according

chengdu-europe-africa

chengdu

port of qingdao

hamburg

china global south project

africa cooperation

In an effort to speed up trade with Africa, China has implemented hybrid logistics links or multimodal rail-sea lines to bypass traditional cargo choke points.One such example is the Chengdu-Europe-Africa rail-sea transport line that was opened in October this year. This line moves freight from the city of Chengdu in southwestern China to Morocco via the German port of Hamburg. Another hybrid line is set to be opened shortly and will move Chinese apple juice concentrate from Gansu province to the Port of Qingdao from where it will go to Cape Town.According to the China Global South Project, the logistics links effectively allow China to bypass all the choke points currently experienced along traditional shipping routes, effectively speeding up their trade with the continent.At the recent 8th Ministerial Conference of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, both Africa and China committed to growing bilateral trade even more.China-Africa annual trade is expected to reach $300 billion by 2035
View the discussion thread.

Innovative solutions speed up trade

china-africa

far east

zhejiang province

china-africa economic and trade relations

china-africa cultural cooperation and exchange week

ministry of foreign affairs

jinhua

Increased calls for further cooperation between China and Africa are proof that the Far East giant does not intend to back away from the continent.At the recent China-Africa Economic and Trade Relations and China-Africa Cultural Cooperation and Exchange Week in Jinhua in China’s Zhejiang province, more than 400 delegates from China and Africa discussed visions of a shared future and a China-Africa community.According to China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, there is confidence that the China-Africa friendship will stand the test of time. The ministry also believes that fruitful China-Africa cooperation is beneficial in that it continues to form the backbone of South-South cooperation and stands as an example in international relations.By August, China had signed an exchange of letters with 12 African countries on zero tariffs for 98% of their export items to China.In a statement, the ministry said efforts to focus on development cooperation were ongoing. “We have pushed forward our cooperation on infrastructure, and completed several major projects since the Dakar Conference, including the Foundiougne Bridge in Senegal, the Nairobi Expressway, the Kribi-Lolabe Highway in Cameroon, and the 10th of Ramadan LRT in Egypt. All these have boosted Africa’s industrialisation process.“China is making steady progress in implementing all the pledges it made in Dakar in 2021, despite various difficulties and disturbances. Over $3 billion has been delivered out of the $10bn of credit facilities pledged to African financial institutions, and nearly $2.5bn in loans was channelled to Africa’s priority programmes. More than $2bn of the $10bn in trade finance has been allocated, and China’s import of African goods within seven months reached $70.6bn. Chinese companies have invested $2.17bn in Africa. We are prepared to, through the IMF’s two Trusts, rechannel $10bn of its Special Drawing Right (SDR) to Africa, and encourage the IMF to direct China’s contributions to Africa.”China has been particularly active in Zimbabwe where a number of megaprojects have been undertaken in recent years – including the expansion of the Harare Robert Mugabe International Airport, the construction of a new parliament building, the network expansion for Zimbabwe’s state-owned mobile firm NetOne, as well as the refurbishment of Harare's water treatment plant. China has also been responsible for the construction of a pharmaceutical warehouse in the country.Speaking during a recent event, Chinese state councillor Wang Yi said efforts to strengthen the partnership between China and Africa would continue. “We have expanded our cooperation on solar, wind and other clean energy sources. A number of key projects, including the Kafue Lower Gorge Power Station in Zambia, have entered into operation. We have held an excellent seminar on building Africa’s Great Green Wall. In countries including Botswana and Burkina Faso, we are carrying out South-South cooperation for addressing climate change. In Seychelles, we are building a low-carbon demonstration zone. In Madagascar and Mozambique, we have supported their response to hurricanes, and helped enhance capacity for disaster preparedness and relief.”He said going forward, concrete actions to promote common development would be required. “China keeps its word with real actions and will continue to take meeting Africa’s needs as the purpose of our cooperation with Africa. We will work with Africa in this regard. We will also continue to increase imports from Africa, support the greater development of Africa’s agricultural and manufacturing sectors, and expand cooperation in emerging industries such as the digital economy, health, green and low-carbon sectors.”
View the discussion thread.

Confidence in China-Africa friendship

port kelang

durban

malaysia

asia-pacific

vietnam

chi minh city

haiphong

east asia

nhava sheva into port elizabeth

india

freight news

michelle horner

kreeson moodley

SACO CFR has launched a direct weekly service from Port Kelang in Malaysia to Durban and is continuing to develop its direct Vietnam service, with weekly sailings from both Ho Chi Minh City and Haiphong into Durban.According to Kreeson Moodley, trade coordinator for Asia-Pacific (Apac) imports, this is because many importers are looking to source inventory from alternative suppliers as the strict Covid policies in China continue to impact supply chains. “There has been a shift from Chinese markets to South-East Asia and the Indian subcontinent,” he said. “To support our customers, SACO CFR has expanded its service offerings. We are also developing our current India service and this will see the reinstatement of our direct weekly sailing from Nhava Sheva into Port Elizabeth.”According to SACO CFR trade manager Michelle Horner, globally, the logistics industry remains in a constant state of change. “The new norm is that there is no normal,” she told Freight News. “Customers’ needs change and service providers’ offerings transform as market demands shift. SACO CFR, in partnership with our customers and partners, maintains a f luidity in our product offerings, shifting and developing our LCL consolidation services to provide f lexibility in the ever-changing market.”One of the biggest factors in the Far East has been China’s “zero-Covid policy” this past year. “It has specifically caused several regions and cities in the country to lock down completely once positive cases of Covid-19 are reported. Trucking services are impacted as restrictions are enforced to limit travel between districts. This has severely disrupted supply chains and delayed the movement of cargo,” said Moodley, indicating that there had been a marked decrease in global demand for goods out of the Far East.“In view of the reduced demand, carrier freight pricing has softened over the past few months. South Africa has not seen the traditional peak season volume surge this year, and as a result, carriers are blanking sailings or cascading schedules to boost the exigency for space. The blanked sailings and adjusted schedules do result in delays, leading to extended lead times for cargo movement.”Another development that has impacted has been the decision by carriers to impose more strict conditions and requirements for the acceptance of hazardous cargo. “Lithium-ion batteries out of China, in particular, are a commodity that is problematic in terms of shipping line requirements and handling, which may create delays for ocean movement,” explained Moodley.According to Mark Naidoo, trade coordinator for exports, South African export services have also been experiencing some challenges with capacity on the eastbound services. “The schedule irregularity, as seen on the import voyages, is impacting outbound services. LCL remains a cost-effective and efficient alternative during times when capacity is a concern. The carrier requirements with regard to DG cargo has impacted lead times on export shipments, especially with vessel-sharing agreements,” he said.On a positive note, South African wine exports into the Far East have been on the increase, leading SACO CFR and ZacPak to launch a specialised wine service out of Cape To w n .Both Moodley and Naidoo agree that LCL consolidation continues to provide importers and exporters with a cost-effective solution for the movement of cargo. “As the global focus continues to shift across the Far East, diversification of LCL direct loading options for South African imports remains an essential focus for us,” said Mood ley.“End-to-end solutions are important for our customers. LCL door delivery services and final-mile handling are key value-adds for South African export customers.” added Naidoo.
View the discussion thread.

Importers increasingly seeking alternative sources

asia

gibs

world trade organization

francois fouche

It would be in South Africa’s best interests to continue diversifying its import and export markets, with the Far East offering a significant opportunity.With China officially the country’s largest trade partner, it is a region that South African importers and exporters know well, yet trade hasn’t expanded as much as many would think.According to Francois Fouche from Growth Diagnostics and the Centre for African Management and Markets at GIBS, there has not been much of a shift in South African imports from China over the past two decades.“The biggest proportion of our goods come out of China. There is no surprise there as that is the case for many countries. China has established itself as the manufacturing hub of the world, and since China became part of the World Trade Organization in 2001, it has dominated in the export of manufactured goods.”But, he said, if one looked at imports over a longer period of time, it was clear to see that the proportion of the country’s imports had not changed much. “Yes, we are importing more from Asia than we did in the past, but not vastly so if we look at the bigger picture over the past 25 years.”China and other countries in the East have repeatedly indicated their willingness to grow trade with South Africa.“The world we live in has become very integrated. We are connected by global f lows – not just of goods and services, but of capital, people and, increasingly more so, of ideas and data,” said Fouche. “Global value chains have been built on these f lows, creating a far more prosperous world than what we had 30 years ago. If we cast our minds back, in light of the pandemic and the Ukraine war, even to 2016, when we saw rising tension between the US and China, the importance of this interconnectivity is clear. No region is self-sufficient, not even the most advanced countries in the world. The challenge is to harness the benefits of this level of interconnectivity.” He said this was even more critical where products were concentrated in places of origin like China. “China matters to the world and South Africa,” emphasised Fouche.Trade between South Africa and China, in particular, is expected to see growth. In 2021, two-way trade exceeded $54 billion.More recently, Chinese President Xi Jinping said the country was ready to strengthen practical cooperation with South Africa under Brics and the Forum on China–Africa Cooperation (Focac), focusing on cooperation in new sectors such as 5G, the digital economy, high-tech, e-commerce, smart cities and clean energy.Speaking shortly after a meeting with President Cyril Ramaphosa, Xi said the two countries would strengthen the synergy between the Belt and Road Initiative and the South African Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan, cooperate more closely on trade, investment and energy, advance the implementation of Focac outcomes in South Africa, support Chinese companies in investing and doing business here, and expand China’s import of quality products from South Africa
View the discussion thread.

China ready to strengthen cooperation with SA under Brics

japan

transpor t intelligence

rakuten

mckinsey & company

hiroshi mikitani

There’s growing investment in Japan’s logistics sector as consumers in the country increasingly move to online shopping platforms, calling for more courier-type deliveries.According to a report by Transpor t Intelligence (Ti), Japanese consumers have been embracing e-commerce since the Covid pandemic. It accounted for 11.8% of total retail sales in the country in 2021.This is an almost 5% increase considering that Japan was not advanced in terms of internet service and e-commerce prior to the outbreak of Covid-19. According to Hiroshi Mikitani, CEO of Rakuten, a Japanese electronic commerce and online retailing company, e-commerce has now grown into an indispensable part of people’s daily lives, and there has been a demand for improved convenience to meet the needs of e-commerce users across the country.This is supported by McKinsey & Company research that found that luxury shoppers in particular had embraced online shopping. In a survey, it found 41% of luxury consumers were now researching and purchasing across channels. Increasingly, shoppers are turning to a variety of e-commerce and social media channels for inspiration, information gathering, and purchasing.“More than 30% of consumers say that they compare products, pricing, and reviews on e-commerce platforms. When asked to identify their preferred online channel for information gathering, shoppers still visit a brand’s official website above all others,” reads the survey report.It is, however, not only in Japan where the move towards e-commerce is gaining ground. Cross-border e-commerce has continued to grow in popularity. Earlier this year, Rakuten announced its plans to launch an internet shopping mall in Malaysia. At the same time, more international shoppers are purchasing from Japanese sites due to the lower prices and good quality.According to Ti, all these developments have led to growth in the Japanese logistics market, which is now the second-largest in the Asia Pacific region. Investment in warehousing in particular has been on the rise, and major players in this sector have announced plans for new infrastructure. A $1.5-billion logistics park in Osaka, Japan by ESR Cayman is set to service the growing e-commerce market. Logistics real-estate developer GLP earlier this year reached financial closure on $9bn in logistics developments in Japan.In March this year, e-commerce giant Amazon opened a 100 000-square-metre warehouse in Japan, underscoring its intent to grow its footprint in the country.
View the discussion thread.

Dramatic increase in online shopping in Japan

beeld

clyde mallinson

ted blom

South Africa woke up this morning to find itself as close as it has ever been to its worst nightmare – a wholesale collapse of its power grid that would take weeks, if not months, to restore if ever it came to pass.
Business Day reports that power utility Eskom has set a new record with its inability to provide for the country’s electricity demand, losing 24000 megawatts or 47% of its entire network.
Energy expert Ted Blom commented to IOL that “only God can save us!”
Coming on the back of much-needed planned maintenance work to one of the units at twin-turbine nuclear power station Koeberg, the loss of a further 920mw in generating capacity will take the country closer to stage eight load-shedding, according to Blom.
If his views seem alarmist, as an analyst of South Africa’s power woes he is not alone in painting a very bleak picture of things to come.
In Beeld, energy analyst Clyde Mallinson said all the signs were there that the country’s power grid position was going from bad to worse.
In the last six to seven days, he said, Eskom had only been able to utilise about 17000mw of its entire coal-fired capacity of 40000mw.
It means it only managed to generate about 43% of required electricity because of the intermittent and exacerbating maintenance issues and breakages experienced at power stations like Arnot, Camden, Duvha, Kendal, Kriel and Tutuka.
Fellow analysts and energy economists Tshepo Kgadima and Lungile Mashile added their voices to the condemnation of what’s going on, pointing a finger at lack of leadership.
The current power crisis is costing the economy about R3 billion daily, and comes days ahead of the ANC national elective conference starting on December 16 - but there is no plan in place by the current government to address the situation.
Mashile attributes the failings at Eskom to the wrong people occupying executive positions at the utility, albeit that the utility’s CEO, Andre Ruyter, has committed himself to avoiding a grid collapse at all costs.
On numerous occasions he has warned that South Africa could be experiencing load-shedding for months to come as the utility attempts to fix failing infrastructure.
This view was again expressed yesterday by Eskom spokesperson Sikonathi Mantshantsha after the implementation of stage six was announced.
Mantshantsha added that whatever reserve capacity Eskom had, had to be held back for emergency power provision.
Business Day put this into perspective, saying that Eskom had already exceeded its financial year budget of R11 billion allocated for diesel needed for its open-cycle gas turbines.
By December 7, this budgeted amount, which should have taken the utility through to the end of March, had overrun to R15bn.
For the first week of December alone Eskom burned R551 million to avoid an escalation of load-shedding.
But there’s no more money for that, Blom said.
On Twitter, another energy analyst, Chris Yelland, bemoaned the fact that the ANC’s upcoming conference seemed to be taking precedence over the energy crisis in which the country finds itself.
View the discussion thread.
It’s not supply chains competing in the country, but South Africa Inc, says Saaff CEO.
Lufthansa may still choose to become a minority partner or walk away from the offer completely.
Report shows that airline revenues were reduced by 50% in 2020 and by 40% in 2021.
Latest figures are likely to be dragged down at the end of Q1 in the New Year.
Roll-on roll-off vessel apparently ran into trouble south of Cape Agulhas on its way to Dar es Salaam.
Development can be fast-tracked through new and smart partnerships, says Ebrahim Patel.
There are positive factors that may improve the sector’s final fourth-quarter production numbers.
Data strongly suggests that it’s the end of the line for the carrier profitability boom, according to Sea-Intelligence.
Rolling blackouts of six to eight hours cumulatively every day once again implemented.
Infrastructural development still behind schedule.
Figures buoyed by better use of rail freight capacity.
A truck with two 500-litre fuel tanks will now pay R1 530 less for every complete refuel (for 500ppm diesel).

Bleak outlook with no light at the end of the tunnel

lufthansa

delta

Despite many airlines having returned to profitability, the extent of the financial setback the entire aviation industry suffered over 2020, 2021 and 2022 due to the effects of the pandemic has been revealed, and it’s immense.
According to a report entitled ‘Cirium’sWorld Airline Group Finance Rankings’,airline losses from the period to date totalled almost $220 billion (R3.8trn). Cirium is an aviation data company.
The report showed that airline revenues were reduced by 50% in 2020 and by 40% in 2021. 2022 revenues were up by 70% but many airlines are still well below pre-pandemic levels.
US airlines have enjoyed fast recovery of their domestic marketand recorded a 5% increase in revenueover pre-pandemic levels for the period and returned to a modest operating profit. Delta was noted as the leader at the top of the revenue rankings thisyear, with its revenue virtually back to pre-pandemic levels.
“The major European airline groups such as Lufthansa, also showed strong recovery in first-half revenues following the lifting of travel restrictions in early 2022, which unleashed a wave of passenger demand,” said the report. It added that traffic within Western Europe had been 95% of pre-pandemic levels since mid-2022, returning the largest groups to profitability in Q3.
Because of China’s continued Covid-19 lockdowns, the Asia-Pacific region has struggled. Chinese airlines experienced a 35% decline in revenue and a nett loss of nearly $10bn (R172bn) in the first half of 2022, and it is likely that the results for the second half of the year will add to that deficit, even though they should be offset to some degree by other airlines in the region.
The report says if the global industry manages to contain its nett loss for the full year to around the $10-15bn (R172bn-R258bn) mark, it would be equivalent to the industry’s annual losses in the wake of the 9/11 attacks.
– Travel News
View the discussion thread.
Lufthansa may still choose to become a minority partner or walk away from the offer completely.
Latest figures are likely to be dragged down at the end of Q1 in the New Year.
Roll-on roll-off vessel apparently ran into trouble south of Cape Agulhas on its way to Dar es Salaam.
Development can be fast-tracked through new and smart partnerships, says Ebrahim Patel.
It’s not supply chains competing in the country, but South Africa Inc, says Saaff CEO.
There are positive factors that may improve the sector’s final fourth-quarter production numbers.
Data strongly suggests that it’s the end of the line for the carrier profitability boom, according to Sea-Intelligence.
Rolling blackouts of six to eight hours cumulatively every day once again implemented.
Infrastructural development still behind schedule.
Figures buoyed by better use of rail freight capacity.
A truck with two 500-litre fuel tanks will now pay R1 530 less for every complete refuel (for 500ppm diesel).
The manufacturing industry increased by 1.5%, contributing 0.2 of a percentage point to GDP growth.

Aviation pandemic losses revealed

ita airways

alitalia

lufthansa group

delta air lines

air france klm

bloomberg

In the ongoing negotiations for ITA Airways (successor to Alitalia), Lufthansa Group is now considering whether to continue in its attempt to secure a controlling stake alone, after shipping giant MSC dropped out of the bidding.
In a statement, MSC confirmed that it was no longer interested in participating in the privatisation of ITA Airways.
The two were in a consortium bidding for the Italian state-owned airline.
According to Bloomberg, unnamed sources said Lufthansa might still choose to become a minority partner or walk away from the offer completely.Italian Finance MinisterGiancarlo Giorgetticonfirmed toBloombergthat Lufthansa was still interested in a solo bid.
MSC’s change of mind came only a few weeks after the Italian government restarted talks with both Lufthansa and the global shipping company, after the Italian government entered discussions with a consortium of equity firmCertares Management,Air France KLM, and Delta Air Lines.
– Travel News
View the discussion thread.
Latest figures are likely to be dragged down at the end of Q1 in the New Year.
Roll-on roll-off vessel apparently ran into trouble south of Cape Agulhas on its way to Dar es Salaam.
Development can be fast-tracked through new and smart partnerships, says Ebrahim Patel.
It’s not supply chains competing in the country, but South Africa Inc, says Saaff CEO.
There are positive factors that may improve the sector’s final fourth-quarter production numbers.
Data strongly suggests that it’s the end of the line for the carrier profitability boom, according to Sea-Intelligence.
Rolling blackouts of six to eight hours cumulatively every day once again implemented.
Infrastructural development still behind schedule.
Figures buoyed by better use of rail freight capacity.
A truck with two 500-litre fuel tanks will now pay R1 530 less for every complete refuel (for 500ppm diesel).
The manufacturing industry increased by 1.5%, contributing 0.2 of a percentage point to GDP growth.
Dependence on fossil fuels gives rise to a range of climate, energy and transition risks.

MSC exits ITA deal

bureau for economic res

first national bank

The Consumer Confidence Index (CCI), compiled by First National Bank and the Bureau for Economic Research (BER), has recovered all the ground lost during the first half of 2022 to reach the same level recorded during the 2021 festive season.
Although still relatively weak after recovering from -20 to -8 index points during the fourth quarter (Q4) of 2022, it remains a pronounced recovery considering that the CCI was measured at -25 at the end of Q2.
In a statement following the release of the latest CCI reading, FNB/BER said the latest reading brought the CCI more or less in line with the level attained during Q4 last year (-9), as well as Q4 2019 (-7, just before the Covid-19 pandemic struck).
“Even though a reading of -8 still signifies depressed consumer sentiment, the scope of the rebound relative to the third quarter comes as a surprise given sustained high inflation, frequent load-shedding, successive large interest rate hikes, and the worsening global economic backdrop.”
Going into further detail, FNB/BER said all three sub-indices of the CCI had rebounded “smartly” during the fourth quarter.
“The economic outlook and time-to-buy durable goods sub-indices of the CCI improved by 12 and 11 index points respectively, but remain deep in negative territory.
“The majority of consumers therefore still expect a deterioration in South Africa’s economic prospects over the next 12 months and consider the present time as inappropriate to purchase durable goods (e.g. vehicles, furniture, household appliances and electronic goods).
“The household financial outlook sub-index of the CCI jumped 15 index points to reach +13 during the fourth quarter, a similar reading compared to the +14 reached during the 2021 festive season. The majority of households therefore expect an improvement in their household finances over the next 12 months, despite being quite pessimistic about the outlook for the national economy.”
The latest CCI comes as some respite from stage six load-shedding implemented at midnight by power utility Eskom.
Tied in with positive GDP growth figures released earlier this week, it creates an impression of economic recovery for South Africa, which is all somewhat abstract as the man on the street is still feeling the pinch of rising inflation, upwardly adjusted lending rates, and rising fuel costs – especially petrol – in a country that seems to be teetering on the edge of collapse.
Although it should be widely received as good news that President Cyril Ramaphosa has declared December 27 to be a public holiday because Christmas Day falls on a Sunday, it will doubtless cost the country’s ailing economy.
With some R3 billion in potential gains being lost every day to load-shedding at the moment, the first set of GDP figures at the end of Q1 in 2023, and subsequent CCI reading, will most likely sketch a different picture.
View the discussion thread.
Roll-on roll-off vessel apparently ran into trouble south of Cape Agulhas on its way to Dar es Salaam.
Development can be fast-tracked through new and smart partnerships, says Ebrahim Patel.
It’s not supply chains competing in the country, but South Africa Inc, says Saaff CEO.
There are positive factors that may improve the sector’s final fourth-quarter production numbers.
Data strongly suggests that it’s the end of the line for the carrier profitability boom, according to Sea-Intelligence.
Rolling blackouts of six to eight hours cumulatively every day once again implemented.
Infrastructural development still behind schedule.
Figures buoyed by better use of rail freight capacity.
A truck with two 500-litre fuel tanks will now pay R1 530 less for every complete refuel (for 500ppm diesel).
The manufacturing industry increased by 1.5%, contributing 0.2 of a percentage point to GDP growth.
Dependence on fossil fuels gives rise to a range of climate, energy and transition risks.
All grades of petrol will increase by at least 59c.

South African consumer confidence recovers

simon

simon’s town

dar es salaam

navy

united states treasury’s office of foreign assets control

defence

kobus marais

Mystery surrounds the docking of a commercial vessel at a naval base – and a sanctioned ship no less as it’s sailing under the Russian flag – at Simon’s Town on Tuesday night.
It remains unclear what cargo, if any, is currently on board theLady R, a roll-on roll-off (ro-ro) vessel that has been added to a list of maritime vessels banned by the United States Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control.
Questions sent to the South African Navy since the vessel quietly sailed into Simon’s Town sometime after 20:00 also remain unanswered.
Adding to the secrecy of it all, since the quiet seaside hamlet was experiencing load-shedding, theLady R’s automatic identification system (AIS) was conveniently offline.
Vessel tracking has nevertheless mapped the ship’s route to Dar es Salaam at the time of its unscheduled visit to Simon’s Town.
The Democratic Alliance’s Shadow Minister of Defence, Kobus Marais, has since said that from what he had found out, theLady Rhad experienced trouble while at sea and, in accordance with international maritime protocol, was assisted by the nearest navy.
There’s still no explanation though about why a supposedly distressed commercial vessel, whose AIS location was placed south of Cape Agulhas before it made for the nearest port or base, backtracked all the way to Simon’s Town when it was on its way to Tanzania.
Marais said he suspected it was because theLady Rwould be towed to Table Bay for repairs.
Earlier this year another vessel, the Liberian-flaggedElandri Denali, laden with Russian oil, also raised eyebrows when it appeared to be in the process of offloading its US-sanctioned cargo at Saldanha.
As with theLady R, information surrounding the why and wherefore of the 330-metre crude carrier was also not transparently dealt with by South Africa’s maritime and naval authorities.
In the absence of any official information about theLady R, jokes on social media about the surprise visit of a Russian vessel to Simon’s Town have been coming through thick and fast.
One person suggested that the reason for the docking of a commercial vessel at a naval base was that the mariners wanted to see the penguins at Boulders Beach.
View the discussion thread.
Development can be fast-tracked through new and smart partnerships, says Ebrahim Patel.
It’s not supply chains competing in the country, but South Africa Inc, says Saaff CEO.
There are positive factors that may improve the sector’s final fourth-quarter production numbers.
Data strongly suggests that it’s the end of the line for the carrier profitability boom, according to Sea-Intelligence.
Rolling blackouts of six to eight hours cumulatively every day once again implemented.
Infrastructural development still behind schedule.
Figures buoyed by better use of rail freight capacity.
A truck with two 500-litre fuel tanks will now pay R1 530 less for every complete refuel (for 500ppm diesel).
The manufacturing industry increased by 1.5%, contributing 0.2 of a percentage point to GDP growth.
Dependence on fossil fuels gives rise to a range of climate, energy and transition risks.
All grades of petrol will increase by at least 59c.
Executive says DRC is doing nothing to safeguard truckers in the Copperbelt.

No answers yet after Russian ro-ro docks in Simon’s Town

Update on COVID-19 – 07 December 2022 2022-12-08T12:18:57+02:00Dec 8th, 2022|Daily Cases| .reading-box-container-1 .element-bottomshadow:before,.reading-box-container-1 .element-bottomshadow:after{opacity:0.70;}EVDS Self Registration PortalVaccine Registration Portal is now open!VIEW MORE.reading-box-container-2 .element-bottomshadow:before,.reading-box-container-2 .element-bottomshadow:after{opacity:0.70;}Active Vaccination SitesFind your closest vaccination siteVIEW MORE.reading-box-container-3 .element-bottomshadow:before,.reading-box-container-3 .element-bottomshadow:after{opacity:0.70;}Latest Vaccine StatisticsView latest vaccine rollout figures & statisticsVIEW MORE.reading-box-container-4 .element-bottomshadow:before,.reading-box-container-4 .element-bottomshadow:after{opacity:0.70;}Interactive Live CounterInteract with our live Covid-19 data mapVIEW MORE Twitter WhatsApp Related Posts Update on COVID-19 – 30 November 2022 Update on COVID-19 – 24 November 2022 Update on Covid-19 (Wednesday 16 November 2022) Update on Covid-19 (Wednesday 09 November 2022)

SA Corona Virus  Online Portal

Update on COVID-19 – 07 December 2022

Update on COVID-19 – 08 December 2022 2022-12-08T12:15:57+02:00Dec 8th, 2022|Daily Cases| .reading-box-container-1 .element-bottomshadow:before,.reading-box-container-1 .element-bottomshadow:after{opacity:0.70;}EVDS Self Registration PortalVaccine Registration Portal is now open!VIEW MORE.reading-box-container-2 .element-bottomshadow:before,.reading-box-container-2 .element-bottomshadow:after{opacity:0.70;}Active Vaccination SitesFind your closest vaccination siteVIEW MORE.reading-box-container-3 .element-bottomshadow:before,.reading-box-container-3 .element-bottomshadow:after{opacity:0.70;}Latest Vaccine StatisticsView latest vaccine rollout figures & statisticsVIEW MORE.reading-box-container-4 .element-bottomshadow:before,.reading-box-container-4 .element-bottomshadow:after{opacity:0.70;}Interactive Live CounterInteract with our live Covid-19 data mapVIEW MORE Twitter WhatsApp Related Posts Update on COVID-19 – 30 November 2022 Update on COVID-19 – 24 November 2022 Update on Covid-19 (Wednesday 16 November 2022) Update on Covid-19 (Wednesday 09 November 2022)

Update on COVID-19 – 08 December 2022

johannesburg

sandton convention centre

germany

ebrahim patel

patel

Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Ebrahim Patel says partnerships with international countries are key to boosting African economies' upward trajectory.
He was addressing the German-Africa Business Summit held at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg on Wednesday.
The biannual summit brings together business and government leaders from Germany and Africa to promote economic relations between the country and the continent.
Patel emphasised, however, that the continent required “long-term partners” that would support the continent as it moved towards sustainable and green industrialisation.
“It requires increased inward investment in productive sectors, particularly manufacturing and infrastructure; support for the transition [towards] green industrialisation; improved market access of goods and services; and [building] partnerships for skills, science, innovation and technology,” he said.
“Development can be fast-tracked through new and smart partnerships. The growth, development and prosperity of nations are increasingly dependent on building partnerships with other nations.”
He said the summit was critical to building strong strategic partnerships that would drive African economies forward.
“The hosting of the fourth German-Africa Business Summit is an indication of the seriousness with which Germany sees Africa’s economic potential and the confidence it has in our economic prospects. It is an opportunity to discuss issues of mutual interest. That is the main objective of this summit - to build and sustain mutually beneficial partnerships between African nations and Germany.
“We see an opportunity to increase trade between Germany and Africa. There has been some progress with deepening manufacturing exports to Germany, and we can build on the successes and be more ambitious.”
Patel said these partnerships would also benefit Germany.
“This will provide opportunities for German businesses to invest in the expanding African manufacturing sector. It will help in diversifying and de-risking Germany’s own global supply chains and sourcing markets.
“This is particularly important, given the experience of supply chain disruptions and vulnerabilities during the pandemic. African industrialisation will also have the value and advantage of the transformation of minerals and other raw materials closer to source.”
Patel said Africa’s young and increasingly digitised population had a high ceiling for potential.
“Africa accounts for 17% of the world’s population yet Africa generates about 3% of the world’s GDP, and our continent accounts for less than 2% of global manufacturing and only 1% of global steel.
“To change that reality and address that gap we recognise our role in promoting stability, rule of law and a conducive business environment, underpinned by modern infrastructure and skills development.
“In the case of a number of countries, including South Africa, it requires the expansion of reliable energy supply and improved transport logistics. It needs a capable public sector and a relentless fight against crime,” he said. –SAnews.gov.za
View the discussion thread.
It’s not supply chains competing in the country, but South Africa Inc, says Saaff CEO.
There are positive factors that may improve the sector’s final fourth-quarter production numbers.
Data strongly suggests that it’s the end of the line for the carrier profitability boom, according to Sea-Intelligence.
Rolling blackouts of six to eight hours cumulatively every day once again implemented.
Infrastructural development still behind schedule.
Figures buoyed by better use of rail freight capacity.
A truck with two 500-litre fuel tanks will now pay R1 530 less for every complete refuel (for 500ppm diesel).
The manufacturing industry increased by 1.5%, contributing 0.2 of a percentage point to GDP growth.
Dependence on fossil fuels gives rise to a range of climate, energy and transition risks.
All grades of petrol will increase by at least 59c.
Executive says DRC is doing nothing to safeguard truckers in the Copperbelt.
The currency could strengthen to R16/USD by the end of 2023.

Partnerships key to Africa's economic growth

granny mouse country house & spa

sean granger

Summer is the peak growing season for your lawn, which means that it needs some extra attention during this time. Aside from mowing your lawn, you will need to ensure that your lawn gets the right amount of water. You will also need to attend to your lawn’s soil fertility and weed control. By using some simple strategies, you can have a beautiful lawn all summer long!
Tips and tricks to make you the envy of your neighbourhood is always “keep it simple”, says Sean Granger, Granny Mouse Country House & Spa’s General Manager.
Try mowing your lawn at least once a week to keep it “well groomed”. Keep the lawn height at a minimum of 6.5cm – 7.6cm – you can even measure the length of your grass with a ruler to check that you have it at the right height.
It is super important to avoid cutting the grass too short, especially when the weather is very hot. During hot summer days, the lawn has to work extra hard to regrow the shoots so be cognizant of that fact. When mowing, leave the grass cuttings to fertilize your lawn. It’s a great way to ensure that the grass is getting sufficient nutrients to stay healthy and happy.
Remember, try to use rainwater rather than water from the tap. Lawns use up a lot of water, so store in a collection barrel or JoJo tank and use that to water your lawn and your plants. Don’t water after rain, but rather when it has been dry. When having dry weather, water when it starts to turn yellow and do so in the early morning or evening or early because if it’s hot then it will just evaporate and be a pointless exercise and waste of water.
If you have a weather app, check it regularly to see what the forecast will be and work around that, checking the temperature of the day as well as when rainfall is expected.
Another great idea is to wash your car on your lawn. By doing this, you’ll be able to save water plus you’ll be able to water your lawn and keep it healthy during the hot summer months. If you do hose your car down after the wash, you’ll also be able to splash some water on any surrounding plants.
To keep your lawn healthy use slow releasing fertilizer. Follow the instructions carefully and use one that is easy to apply; sprinkling is the best and least amount of effort.
If you notice weeds sprouting in your grass, get into the garden and dig them up. It’s a far better and safer option than weed killer, as this not only affects the nature in your garden but is also not a good idea if you have children and pets.
Looking after and maintaining a beautiful lawn is a rewarding experience and pastime. The results speak for themselves and are there for all to see.
A grass surface is also one of the safest surfaces for you and your family to enjoy. There are other benefits to having a beautiful lawn – it is believed that standing barefoot on grass is a multi-sensory experience. “It triggers, within us, deeply rooted associations with the smell and sound of nature and the vision of dense greenery”, concluded Granger!

Spice4Life

DAWN IS THE BEST TIME FOR YOUR LAWN!

american psychological association

lew geffen sotheby’s international realty

andy williams

yael geffen

As Andy Williams says in his classic Christmas song, the festive season is the most wonderful time of the year – but it can also be very fraught with so much to buy, plan and do and, for some, it’s also a very sad time, especially if you’re battling a medical condition, a family illness or a major life changing event.
“The holiday season can also be a reminder of what you once had or of lost loved ones which can trigger immense feelings of loneliness, anxiety and dread – or even exacerbate an existing mental health condition,” says Yael Geffen, CEO of Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty and staunch advocate for mental health awareness.
“And let’s face it, between the tasks, celebrations, and family obligations, remaining jolly all the time is a very tall order and the pressure to do so can, in itself, trigger anxiety.
“In fact, a poll conducted by the American Psychological Association found that nearly a quarter of Americans report feeling extreme stress during this time of year and 45% would actually prefer to skip the holidays entirely to avoid the associated stress.
“Add to that the results of a study from the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), which found almost two-thirds (64%) of people with mental illness report the holidays make their conditions worse, and the need for self-care and awareness during this period becomes all the more obvious.”
However, says Geffen, when stress is at its peak, it’s very difficult to stop and regroup and in this case, prevention is definitely better than cure.
“The trick is to try to prevent or at least minimise the stress in the first place, especially if the holidays have taken an emotional toll on you in the past.”
She has the following suggestions will hopefully help you find some peace – and holiday joy – through the festive season and into the new year:
- Plan ahead – Write a list of what needs to be done and then set aside specific days for shopping, baking, social events and all the other activities that need doing. Decide what can be bought online and plan your menus and then make your shopping list.
And if you live alone, make your plans early so that you can slot in with friends and family plans and don’t miss the boat and end up spending the significant days on your own.
On the flipside don’t over book yourself as this can cause massive anxiety. CHOOSE PEOPLE and locations you enjoy rather than feeling pressured into having to go somewhere you’re prefer not to be.
- It’s OK to say no – Taking on more than you can manage by saying yes to every request and invitation will leave you feeling resentful and overwhelmed. This applies to friends and family as well as colleagues and bosses – and especially to people and places that can trigger heightened emotions that cause distress.
If there is something you really cannot say no to, then try and remove something else from your schedule instead.
- Work out and stick to a budget – Few things are as anxiety-inducing as financial concerns and you don’t want to go into the new year worrying about how you’ll afford new school uniforms. So, before you do your gift and food shopping, decide how much money you can afford to spend and make a concerted effort to not exceed your budget.
- Focus on what you can control – Whilst it’s impossible to control every factor, there are many that you can manage or influence and if you at least have some control, you will feel a lot less anxious.
- Keep healthy habits – Taking care of your physical health and sticking to a healthy routine can help stabilise your mood and reduce feelings of stress and anxiety and, as holiday festivities often include excess amounts of food and alcohol, it’s especially important to take care of your physical wellbeing.
Overindulging can easily have a very negative impact on your mood and also make it harder to deal with stress so try to incorporate some form of exercise, even if it’s a daily 20-minute walk and try to get a good night’s rest and to stay hydrated.
And, wherever possible, try to spend a little time out in the sunshine – Vitamin D is known for its mood boosting effects and feeling the warm rays on your skin is bound to lift your spirits.
- Make time for yourself – Yes, the holidays are all about spending time with family or friends, but constantly being sociable can be overwhelming and exhausting so make sure you take a moment for yourself when needed, even if it’s just a few minutes in a quiet room or an early morning walk before everyone is awake.
- Ask for help if you need it – This is not limited to help in the kitchen or tidying up – although you should certainly not be labouring all on your own whilst everyone else relaxes as it will not do anything to improve your mood.
But if you are feeling especially sad, stressed, anxious or depressed, it’s very important that you talk to someone you trust, whether it be family member, a mental health professional or your GP for guidance and support.
Another option for safeguarding your mental health is to sign up with Panda, a mental health care app that provides quality, accessible and appropriate care along the mental health continuum in such a way that users craft and take ownership of their own mental health journey and it has specific December highlights that you can tune into and refer to whenever you feel the need to go within.
“As psychologist and speaker, Naomi Holt, says, considering the fact that we crawled into 2022 still carrying the shock, trauma, grief, heaviness, disbelief of the pandemic and the memories of a surreal existence, it’s no wonder we’re all utterly exhausted.
“And her advice is even wiser: Instead of racing to the finish line of this year, tread gently. Go slowly. Amidst the chaos, find small pockets of silence. Find compassion. Allow the healing. And most of all… Be kind. There’s no human being on earth who couldn’t use just a little bit more of the healing salve of kindness.”
“Don’t let the holidays become something you dread,” says Geffen, “instead, take steps to prevent the stress, anxiety and depression that can descend during this period.
“Try to identify and recognise your holiday triggers so that you can address them before they lead to a meltdown. And, with a little planning, self-care and support, you’ll be able to find peace and joy during the holidays and into the new year.

MINDING YOUR MENTAL HEALTH THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

youlon naidoo

By Youlon Naidoo, Executive Head: Claims and Procurement at MiWay Insurance
As 2022 draws to a close, many South Africans are already dreaming about padkos, playlists and a well-deserved road trip with loved ones. Less likely to enter into this dream scenario is the possibility of a breakdown or accident, which could end up derailing the much-anticipated festivities. But overlooking this possibility could spell the difference between a dream holiday and a disaster.
So whilst it’s always best to look on the bright side, a side serving of caution and preparation goes a long way. After all, by pre-empting the unexpected and ensuring you’re adequately equipped to deal with some of the more common problems facing long-distance motorists, you’ll be able to take them in your stride and enjoy your getaway, your way.
Here are some top tips to help you prepare for the best (safest) festive road trip:
Make safety your top priority
It’s not always possible to avoid being involved in an accident, but there are a number of steps you can take towards reducing the risk of something going awry. So before hitting the open road, make sure to get your car serviced, ensuring your wheels are aligned and that your tyres are correctly inflated based on the recommendations for your vehicle.
Remember that your tyres are your primary point of contact with the road, so it’s important to check for any worn tread, punctures, or bulges. Worn or damaged tyres can put you in danger, especially in slippery conditions, and can also compromise any claims that might arise in the event of an accident. Make sure the tread depth of all your tyres – including your spare – is well above the minimum regulatory depth of 1.6mm, which you can measure by inserting a match horizontally between the grooves. According to the AA, if the match is level with the tread, you’re good to go. However, if you aren’t 100% sure, you’d be advised to consult a mechanic before your departure.
Plan to succeed
Fatigue is one of the primary causes of road accidents, so make sure to plot out your route ahead of time, making provision for plenty of stops along the way so you can recharge your batteries. It’s also worth ensuring you have your toll fees, padkos and playlist sorted out in advance to avoid unnecessary distractions whilst behind the wheel. You’ll also want to make sure you have all relevant emergency numbers on hand, and that you have your insurer’s app downloaded to facilitate quick roadside assistance should you need it. While you’re at it, make sure your roadtrip playlist is ready for the drive to add to the fun.
Knowledge is power
A flat tyre can quickly take the fun out of a family road trip, particularly if it occurs in a dangerous area or the darkness of night. So why not save yourself the stress and make sure you know how to change your tyre yourself? It’s relatively easy, and there are numerous tutorials available on YouTube to help you out. Not only could this save you time and stress, but it could also save your life, enabling you to quickly set off again rather than waiting for assistance in a potentially unsafe spot. Remember to ensure that your spare tyre is in roadworthy condition, and that your jack and spanner are both packed and easily accessible.
It’s also important to know what to do in the event that your brakes fail. If you realise your brakes aren’t reacting as they should be, take your foot off the accelerator calmly, switch on your hazard lights and allow your vehicle to slow down. Pumping the brake pedal can sometimes be an effective remedy, but if this doesn’t work, it’s best to gradually gear down to slow the car down, using your handbrake to assist. Pull over as soon as it’s safe to do so, and make sure your handbrake is up and your hazards are on until help arrives.
The summer season is also known for its wet days, some more intense than others, so should you find yourself caught up in an extreme downpour or hailstorm, it’s important to know what to do. In this case, make sure your demisters are switched on to maximise visibility, and to turn on your headlights and even your hazards to light up your way a bit better. Make sure to keep a safe following distance, and to avoid slamming on brakes, as this could cause your car to skid. Flowing water can also be deceptively powerful: in fact, it takes just 60cm of moving water to sweep a vehicle away.
So if you come across a flooded bridge or stretch of road, make sure to stop and wait it out. In the case of a hailstorm, do your best to seek shelter as soon as possible in the form of a covered car park, a petrol station or a bridge. Avoid parking under trees, as dislodged branches and falling debris can further worsen the situation. Remember that hail causes more damage to moving vehicles than to stationary ones, so it’s in your best interests to stop as soon as possible.
Stay on track
Tracking devices can prove invaluable in the event of an accident, allowing your insurer to mobilise emergency services in the event that any impact is detected and you’re unresponsive. Utilising geo-location and impact tracking, many insurers are now able to offer this and other potentially life-saving services, like warning messages, which are sent to your phone should you find yourself entering a potentially high-risk area. So make sure you speak to your insurer to understand what options are available to you, ensuring you equip yourself with a compatible tracker that enables you request help without having to lift a finger.
Double check your cover
Before setting off, it’s also important to make sure you’re comprehensively covered in the event of an accident. Should any of your personal details have changed since taking out your policy, you should update your insurer to avoid any potential claims complications down the line. Equally, if the regular driver of your vehicle has changed, this needs to be updated on your policy, as your cover could be at risk should the information on file not correspond with the facts. For those crossing borders this festive season, getting in touch with your insurer for a cross-border letter will save you an avoidable headache.
Remember that preparation is the key to any successful holiday, so rather than racing to reach your destination, take the time to arm yourself with all the information and tools you need beforehand to avoid any unwelcome surprises that could end up making this season feel a whole lot less festive than anticipated.
MiWay is a licensed non-life insurer and Financial Services Provider (FSP 33970).

TOP TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL AND SECURE (FESTIVE) SUMMER ROAD TRIP

*Sponsored post: BLOK*
dermaS is the happy-go-lucky love child of medical aesthetic companies – dermaV and Moulded Image. The collaboration aims to deliver fun, easy-going, but effective products to the consumer. The first range in the dermaS collection is BLOK, a range of sun care products specially designed for South African skin.
What’s in the range…
Sunny & Sheer – SPF50
R250.00
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- Additional skin protective ingredients include vitamins E & C, Coenzyme Q10, Caesalpinia spinosa fruit pod extract and Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Sprout Extract
unSUNhero – SPF50
R390.00
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Where to Buy?
Available online and at selected stockists: www.dermav.co.za/online-store/dermaS-BLOK-c142309629
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Introducing dermaS BLOK – Sun Care Products Specially Designed for South African Needs

douwe egberts

radebe

thokozane radebe

Every year we are exposed to new coffee trends and new ideas on how to enjoy our cuppa. Although many still stick to their same orders, there are those who like to venture out and try something different, encouraging others to do the same. Thokozane Radebe, brand manager for coffee brands L’OR and Douwe Egberts refers to this simple curiosity as the start of a growing trend.
“Coffee is a drink that is loved all over the world and the chances of this changing are slim, but that doesn’t mean the way in which coffee is enjoyed can’t be explored. Instant coffee was once a trend while many were still brewing their favourite blend, and now a jar of instant coffee can probably be found in most homes. This is why coffee brands need to be able to identify new trends and monitor how fast they grow, giving their customers what they want from their favourite brand,” comments Radebe.
The 2023 coffee trends have already been earmarked, and Radebe highlights the following five as ones to watch:
- The size of your coffee. Coffee used to come in whatever size cup was available, now we have options that range from small espresso shot size cups, to large take away cups that will keep you alert for the entire day. It seems that the bigger the coffee, the happier the client. This is why Douwe Egberts has launched their 400g Pure Gold jar. There is no chance of running out of this coffee anytime soon… no matter the size of your travel mug.
- Cold coffee beverages have become very popular, and not only in summer. Iced lattes, frappaccinos and others have become a favourite to order when sitting in a café, or simply as a takeaway option. The American National Coffee Association has found that cold coffee beverages have increased 23% since January 2021.
- Is your coffee ethically sourced? Consumers are more and more becoming interested in where their coffee comes from and if it is sustainable. Many brands, including Douwe Egberts, have made sustainability an important pillar in their coffee processes. From the farming to the manufacturing – sustainability needs to be taken into account.
- Easy to make coffee is making a comeback. As coffee consumers have multiple cups of coffee throughout the day and are also pressed for time, the quicker it takes to make the coffee the better. Instant coffee and capsule coffee are usually quick to make and with the improved quality of at-home coffee, delicious and easy to enjoy.
- Milk alternatives are in serious demand. Gone are the days of choosing between full fat and low-fat milk, now the options include various oat and nut milks, as well as soy, with new ones entering the market on a regular basis.
As the coffee industry grows and changes, so will the trends. There is nothing wrong with enjoying your coffee the simple way, but why not try something different. Who knows? You may like it.

FIVE COFFEE TRENDS TO LOOK OUT FOR IN 2023

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GET FESTIVE WITH PEACHES, PLUMS AND NECTARINES

boksburg

pretoria

johannesburg airport

provincial mecs for health

tshwale media liaison officer for health minister national health departmen

foster mohale departmental spokesperson national health department

MEDIA STATEMENT
To: Editors & Health Journalists
Issued by: Department of Health
Date: Wednesday, 07 December 2022
Minister Phaahla to hold a media briefing on various health issues
Pretoria: Minister of Health, Dr Joe Phaahla together with the Provincial MECs for Health will tomorrow, (Thursday, 08) hold a media briefing to provide progress update on various health issues including stability on COVID-19 pandemic, the outbreak of measles disease and rising number of laboratory confirmed cases in several provinces, the state of readiness of emergency medical services and safer holidays campaign and general health services, etc.
Members of the media are invited to the briefing scheduled as follows:
Date: Thursday, 08 December 2022
Time: 12h30 for 13h00
Venue: Holiday Inn, Johannesburg Airport, 100 North Rand Road, Bardene, Boksburg, 1462
For more information and media enquiries, please contact:
Mr Foster Mohale
Departmental Spokesperson
National Health Department
0724323792
Foster.mohale@health.gov.za
Mr Doctor Tshwale
Media Liaison Officer for Health Minister
National Health Department
063 657 8487
Doctor.Tshwale@health.gov.za

Media Statement: Minister Phaahla to hold a media briefing on various health issues

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