Day: May 24, 2022

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Creecy launches R44m National Waste Management Fleet

Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Barbara Creecy, has launched a R44.5 million National Waste Management Fleet at Mulenzhe village in the Collins Chabane Local Municipality, Limpopo.

The National Waste Management Strategy was revised in 2020 and focuses on improving household waste collection; diverting waste from landfills; promoting a circular economy and promoting community awareness of the effects of illegal dumping on their own health and on the environment.

Speaking at the launch on Monday, Creecy said that to achieve the goals of National Waste Management Strategy, all stakeholders must play their part and emphasised that national and provincial government must support municipalities to develop local integrated waste management strategies.

“We must ensure our landfills comply with the regulatory environment and waste does not leach into ground water or into the soil. We must invest in the yellow fleet and every year we must ensure more and more homes have access to safe waste disposal,” Creecy said.

She also emphasised that private sector must promote the circular economy and divert waste from landfills, as government has already set up the regulatory environment for extended producer responsibility schemes to promote re-cycling in the packaging, electronics and lighting industries with recent regulations gazetted for new sectors, including used oil and pesticides.

“Government and the private sector must work with waste reclaimers so that we build a dignified waste reclaiming industry that promotes waste diversion from landfills, promotes the circular economy and gives a decent livelihood to the tens of thousands of men and women who do the daily back-breaking work of the recycling industry,” Creecy said.

To improve waste management in municipalities, the Minister said the department is assisting in the development of their Integrated Waste Management Plans, and training on sustainable waste management practices.

“We have also co-operated with National Treasury and the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) to change the Municipal Infrastructure Grant policy so that municipalities can now access this grant to fund their yellow fleet.

“To highlight and raise awareness on the amendments of the Municipal Infrastructure Grant policy, the department has used R44.5million of our own money to provide 24 vehicles to 20 municipalities across the country. The vehicles include Skip Loader Trucks, Front End Loaders, compactor trucks, TLBs and other trucks required to transport waste within these areas,” Creecy said.

Collins Chabane Local Municipality has received a compactor truck and a skip loader, together valued at more than R5 million to assist in waste collection and the processing of waste at landfill.

Ba-Phalaborwa Local Municipality received a waste compactor truck and a TLB truck with a combined value of nearly R4 million.

Source: South African Government News Agency

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SANDF hard-pressed to respond to civil events

Defence and Military Veterans Minister, Thandi Modise, says the SA National Defence Force (SANDF) will be hard-pressed to respond to critical events due to a severe shortage of resources.

Modise said this when she tabled the department’s Budget Vote during a mini plenary of the National Assembly on Tuesday.

“Honourable Members will remember that we have a dire shortage of critical equipment currently, not to speak of future disasters and continuous climate change events, for example tents, water purification and distribution systems are critically low. Serviceable airframes and flying hours are also in a critical state.

“I must inform this House that the SANDF will be hard-pressed to respond to critical events in other provinces should the need arise. I state this with a very heavy heart – we are willing, but we lack resources.

“Unless there is a significant intervention – the cupboard will remain bare,” she said.

Modise said over recent years, the SANDF has been called on to support civil interventions to ensure the delivery of basic services to the citizens of the country, and this is over and above the force’s contribution to African peace missions.

“We have assisted the North West province with health services, the Department of Water and Sanitation with the Vaal River clean-up project, the National Disaster Management Centre called on the SANDF to assist during the COVID-19 pandemic and we are still involved in the KwaZulu-Natal flood relief.

“The deployments speak to our responsibilities and there is no way we cannot be at the centre of saving lives.”

She said the deployments also come at great cost to the equipment and funding of the SANDF. “There is often little or no re-imbursement delivered. This puts the SANDF under great pressure.”

Operation Prosper a success

In July 2021, there were incidents of civil unrest in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng.

Modise said properties and businesses were damaged and looted, and the target areas were malls and businesses.

“The SANDF worked in cooperation with SAPS to quell the unrest and to restore law and order. We deployed plus or minus 15 000 members of the SANDF, to quell the unrest. Operation Prosper was successful and was lauded by the citizens and business across the country,” she said.

Source: South African Government News Agency

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SA and Germany commit to improved bilateral relations

The Federal Republic of Germany has committed to support South Africa’s efforts towards industrialisation, infrastructure development and job creation as laid out in the Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan.

President Cyril Ramaphosa told this to the media following bilateral talks with his German Counterpart, Chancellor Olaf Scholz, at the Union Buildings in Pretoria, on Tuesday.

The two Statesmen earlier engaged in a tete-a-tete where they discussed a number of issues of bilateral and international concern, including ways to enhance cooperation in areas such as energy and climate change, trade and investment, and responses to COVID-19 and vaccine demand.

Germany has been a partner in development since the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries and the inauguration of the Bi-National Commission in 1996.

It is South Africa’s second largest trading partner and in tourism, the third largest single source of overseas arrivals.

The President said they discussed avenues to increase trade and investment of German companies in South Africa, but also of South African companies into Germany.

“This cooperation has been in a range of fields, including good governance and strengthening democracy, HIV prevention, climate actions and energy,” he said.

President Ramaphosa said they also discussed the next steps in the Just Transition Partnership concluded between South Africa, Germany, France, the United Kingdom, the United States and the European Union last year.

“This historic partnership will support our just transition to a low-carbon economy and climate resilient society in a manner that leaves no-one behind,” he said.

President Ramaphosa and Chancellor Scholz also spoke extensively on supporting young people and integrating them into the workplace.

Another important area of cooperation between the two countries is that of vocational training and how young people can be more effectively integrated into the world of work.

“There is much we can learn from the German mode of dual education and how German companies integrate the training of young people in the working environment,” he said.

In turn, Chancellor Scholz said that Germany is working together with South Africa in the field of cooperation for developing skills.

Scholz agreed with President Ramaphosa that it is necessary to do a lot for young people and “if they have a chance for training and education together, it is big progress.”

Vaccine manufacturing in Africa

President Ramaphosa lauded Germany for being a dependable supporter of Africa’s efforts to manage the COVID-19 pandemic.

He expressed the country’s gratitude to Chancellor Scholz for the assistance Germany has given not just to South Africa, but the entire African continent.

“We also discussed the support Germany can lend to our efforts to ensure that vaccines produced in Africa are given greater market share in developed countries, and that vaccines destined for African populations should be procured locally,” Ramaphosa said.

Earlier, President Ramaphosa told Chancellor Scholz that efforts to produce vaccines in South Africa have suffered a setback as there are no buyers for vaccines that are produced in Africa.

“This is a matter of great concern for us and this is an area that should also concern you because you have been in the forefront of helping us as the continent to move up the ladder of being able to produce vaccines. We believe that vaccines destined for Africa should be produced in Africa,” he said.

In turn, Chancellor Scholz said he was happy to have helped with the manufacturing of vaccines in Africa and South Africa in particular. “We should increase the investment in your country, making it more easy is one of the aspects we will discuss,” he said.

War in Ukraine

During their discussions, President Ramaphosa and Chancellor Scholz spoke about the war in Ukraine and the need for negotiations to bring about an end to the conflict.

President Ramaphosa said that Chancellor Scholz and himself discussed a broad range of international issues, including the pursuit of peace and security on the African continent.

“We also discussed the conflict in Ukraine and the need for the international community to encourage dialogue and negotiation towards a peaceful resolution,” he said.

Earlier, Chancellor Scholz weighed in on the war, saying it is necessary for peace in the world that the war stops as soon as possible.

“We have to convince Russia that they will go out of the war and peace has a chance for Ukraine and the development of all of us,” he said.

Later today, Chancellor Scholz and his delegation will be visiting Sasol place in Sandton for the launch of a South African-German consortium that will advance technology research for the production of sustainable aviation fuels.

President Ramaphosa said the launch is a historic partnership for the development of carbon emissions reduction technologies, including green hydrogen.

Source: South African Government News Agency

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Sweegen Wins Stevia Reb M Patent Lawsuit Against PureCircle

Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif., May 24, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Sweegen, the global pioneer in wellness ingredient technologies and innovations, announced its victory against PureCircle in a stevia Rebaudioside M (Reb M) patent lawsuit.

“Today’s judgment vindicates Sweegen and affirms the company’s position as an industry leader in innovative sweetener solutions,” said Steven Chen, CEO of Sweegen.

PureCircle, acquired by Ingredion in 2020, had filed the 2018 lawsuit against Sweegen in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, accusing Sweegen of infringing two PureCircle patents covering the manufacture of Reb M.

The legal tide turned on PureCircle when Sweegen obtained a summary judgment that both of PureCircle’s asserted patents are invalid. Since it is impossible to infringe an invalid patent, the court’s invalidation of the asserted patents ends the infringement case against Sweegen at the U.S. District Court.

“As a holder of core proprietary technologies of wellness ingredients, Sweegen vigorously guards its intellectual property rights and respects those of others,” said Chen. “We have always maintained that PureCircle’s patents were invalid and its case against Sweegen spurious.”

Sweegen is the primary producer of the highly sought-after non-GMO Reb M originating from the stevia leaf, made with a proprietary clean bioconversion method.

The case is PureCircle USA Inc., et al. v. Sweegen, Inc., et al., case number 8:18-CV-01679-JVS-JDE, in the United States District Court, Central District of California, Southern Division.

About Sweegen
Sweegen provides sweet taste solutions for food and beverage manufacturers around the world.

We are on a mission to reduce the sugar and artificial sweeteners in our global diet. Partnering with customers, we create delicious zero-sugar products that consumers love. With the best modern sweeteners in our portfolio, such as Bestevia® Rebs B, D, E, I, M, and N, and brazzein, along with our deep knowledge of flavor modulators and texturants, Sweegen delivers market-leading solutions that customers want, and consumers prefer. Well. Into the Future.

For more information, please contact info@sweegen.com and visit Sweegen’s website, www.sweegen.com.

Attachment

Ana Arakelian, Head of Public Relations and Communications
Sweegen
+1.949-709-0583
ana.arakelian@sweegen.com
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MEC Tertuis Simmers holds discussions with Cape Metro Sub-Councils

On the Tuesday and Wednesday 17th and 18th May, Provincial Minister of Infrastructure Tertuis Simmers, engaged Councillors from the Sub-Councils 21(Kuilsriver) and 17 (Mitchells Plain) respectively including a site visit to the Welmoed reservoir construction site.

Following the delivery of the 2022/23 Budget as well as the pronouncements of the new Department of Infrastructure, these engagements were important to appraise the various Sub-Councils on developments on the human settlements projects within their ward boundaries.    

Minister Simmers said: “I am delighted to have had the opportunity to engage the two sub-councils to further provide clarity on our strategic programme for human settlements for the current financial year. 

It was also an opportune platform to articulate the new delivery model given the fiscally constrained environment as well as the long term in creating intergrated communities across the Metro. 

We acknowledge the significant role that Sub-Councils play in the delivery of human settlements and the restoration of our citizens’ dignities and eradicating the housing backlog.

By maintaining a transparent and prolific working relationship between the two spheres of government, we are able to deal with challenges and community dynamics as partners.”

These engagements commenced with the Councillors and executive of Sub-Council 21 where matters related to the to the department’s projects, project progress, successes and challenges were discussed in detail. 

Most importantly, was the strengthening of transparent and conducive collaboration between the spheres of government. 

As part of this engagement, Minister visited the Welmoed reservoir site, which forms part of the greater Welmoed Estate project which is envisaged to yield 8000 housing opportunities upon completion was also visited.

The second leg of these engagements focussed on the Sub-Council 17 which is the host to one of our flagship projects, the Farm 694 housing project. The construction at this site commenced in September 2019, with 32 Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMME) opportunities created.

The project will see the true fruition of integration as beneficiaries from two communities (Kosovo and New Woodlands) will occupy the allocated 434 housing on a 50/50 split, respectively. 

Minister Simmers further stated “I am further pleased to witness the progress on the site and overjoyed by the prospect of the first batch of beneficiaries occupying their new homes in the coming weeks. 

This project will serve as a flagship in our aims to create intergrated human settlements as we will be accommodating beneficiaries from two differing background and will create a new settlement. 

I would like to commend the community members, government officials and partners who have worked tirelessly to ensure that this development reaches this stage of construction.

I also want to reiterate the importance of remaining committed to the partnerships formed through this project and not allow unwarranted squabbles to derail the great work done here.

“As the Western Cape Government, we remain committed to accelerating human settlement delivery, while promoting social inclusion through the development of integrated, resilient, safe and sustainable human settlements in an open opportunity society,” concluded Simmers.

Source: Government of South Africa

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African accountancy profession is broadly optimistic about the economic future

#Stateofprofession report presents a compelling and unique picture of the of the accountancy and finance ecosystem in Africa

LONDON, May 23, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — A ground-breaking study into the accountancy profession in Africa reveals 55% of accountants are optimistic about Africa’s economic prospects, but skill shortages, especially in the areas of technology and strategy are a major concern for respondents.

ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants), PAFA (the Pan African Federation of Accountants) and PwC joined forces to develop the State of the Profession in Africa report, polling more than 1,750 professionals to capture their views about the profession’s contributions on the continent, as well as the challenges, threats, and opportunities ahead. The report also captures feedback from over 100 participants at various business and public sector roundtables, held to capture opinions of experts across Africa.

The research was analysed under four themes – capacity building, partnerships, influencing for socio-economic development, and future-readiness of the profession.

Focussing on capacity building, technology (53%) was the biggest skills gap identified, followed by strategy planning, market intelligence and performance management (49.3%).

The results revealed a startling paradox for the profession in building ethical and sustainable business while lacking in environmental, social and governance (ESG) acumen. Some 57% say this is limiting the involvement of Professional Accountancy Organisations (PAOs) and their members in climate change and ESG agendas.

Alarmingly, 92% of accountants working in the mining industry do not see ESG among the industry’s top three future-altering trends, and 40% of all surveyed members highlighted the ability to incorporate climate change and ESG into financial reporting as a major skills gap.

The report asserts that partnerships are essential for the accountancy profession to be resilient, and offers various calls to action for accountants, PAOs and the many stakeholders in the finance and accountancy ecosystem – including higher education institutions, the business community, the public sector, standard-setters and regulators, governments and policy makers.

Jamil Ampomah, director of ACCA Africa says: ‘Respondents’ views about ESG are certainly a wakeup call. Hurdles need to be overcome as accountancy professionals have a unique opportunity to lead ESG adoption in their organisations, in their own countries, right across Africa and globally. One of the strong recommendations in the report is for the profession to skill up here – the tools and qualifications are available to do this, so the opportunity is waiting to be grasped.’

Alta Prinsloo, Chief Executive Officer, PAFA adds: ‘If the accountancy profession is to be fit-for-future, it must be digital, contribute to socio-economic development and play a key role in building ethical and sustainable business. To facilitate this, more and better collaboration is an imperative – and that starts with national PAOs. PAFA stands ready to facilitate collaboration among PAOs and stakeholders to respond to the calls to action encapsulated in the report.’

Mary Iwelumo, Partner, PwC Nigeria and Strategy Lead for PwC West Market noted further: ‘We were startled by the finding that accountants generally did not expect ESG to have a meaningful impact on the profession and professionals over the next decade. At PwC, we had hoped that knowledge that ESG is a business imperative would be universal, especially among professionals that have a seat and voice at the table of business leadership. This disquieting discovery must, therefore, galvanise all of us to a collaboration that will build an education system that will equip accountants to anticipate the future, and prepare for and thrive in it.

Top ten statistics from the report show that:

  1. When it comes to global accounting standards, 81% of respondents say International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) have been adopted across Africa.
  2. 71% of accountants expect that digital transformation of accounting functions would be the profession’s biggest game changer over the next decade.
  3. 64% have seen professional accountants become CEOs or Directors in their organisations.
  4. 53% say stricter regulatory and statutory compliance will have an impact on the profession.
  5. Almost half – 49% – of respondents believe that the accountancy professional contributes to strategic direction and development of business insights in the upper echelons of organisations.
  6. Accountants in Africa are most optimistic about the implementation of environmentally friendly policies and investment in infrastructure – each at 30%.
  7. 43% are pessimistic about the uncertain political situation and for 39% it is policy uncertainty.
  8. 45% indicate that most senior professionals in their organisations are involved in the traditional roles of organising, controlling, processing, and reporting on financial related transactions.
  9. 47% say another significant trend is predictive accounting software such as forecasting and data analytics tools
  10. 47% say changes in tax policy is an important future trend.

Notes to Editors

About ACCA: ACCA is the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants. We’re a thriving global community of 233,000 members and 536,000 future members based in 178 countries and regions that upholds the highest professional and ethical values.

We believe that accountancy is a cornerstone profession of society that supports both public and private sectors. That’s why we’re committed to the development of a strong global accountancy profession and the many benefits that this brings to society and individuals.

Since 1904 being a force for public good has been embedded in our purpose. And because we’re a not-for-profit organisation, we build a sustainable global profession by re-investing our surplus to deliver member value and develop the profession for the next generation.

Through our world leading ACCA Qualification, we offer everyone everywhere the opportunity to experience a rewarding career in accountancy, finance and management. And using our respected research, we lead the profession by answering today’s questions and preparing us for tomorrow.

ACCA and CA ANZ have formed a strategic alliance for the benefit of members and to help shape the future of the profession. Find out more about us at accaglobal.com

About PAFA: PAFA is the continental body representing Africa’s professional accountants. Established in May 2011, the non-profit organisation currently has 56 Professional Accountancy Organisation (PAO) members and associates from 45 countries. Our mission is to accelerate and improve the reach of the accountancy profession – working in the public interest, facilitating trade, and enhancing benefits and quality services to Africa’s citizens.

PAFA’s mandate is founded on the premise that national PAOs have the capacity to drive responsible financial management practices, accountability, transparency, and effective governance across public and private entities. PAFA’s unique ability to develop institutional capability contributes to the acceleration of economic growth and the reduction of poverty in Africa. Our strategic objectives and the economic and societal benefits they drive contribute toward achieving African Union Agenda 2063 and UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Find out more at pafa.org.za

About PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC): PwC is a network of firms in 156 countries with over 295,000 problem solvers – all committed to creating high quality Trust and Consulting Solutions. Our Trust Solutions comprise organisation’s assurance and tax related services while our Consulting Solutions provide a diverse range of services, including digital transformation, cybersecurity and tax consulting across different industries, socioeconomic, private and public sectors. PwC’s core strength is being able to form effective, well-managed and sustainable teams who can advise organisations on complex projects across a wide range of areas. We apply their professional expertise to identify, report, protect, realise and create value for clients and stakeholders. Our global presence across all markets enables PwC to peerlessly carry out our network’s purpose. Find out more at pwc.com

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LeddarTech Announces the Sensor Fusion and Perception Development Center Grand Opening in Tel Aviv, Israel, on June 9, 2022

QUEBEC and TEL AVIV, Israel, May 24, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — LeddarTech®, a global leader in providing the most flexible, robust and accurate ADAS and AD sensing technology, is pleased to announce the official grand opening of LeddarTech’s Sensor Fusion and Perception Development Center in Tel Aviv, Israel, June 9 at 3:00 p.m. (IST).

The event will be hosted by Charles Boulanger, CEO of LeddarTech and Ronny Cohen, Vice-President and General Manager of ADAS and AD Sensor Fusion and Perception. In addition to welcoming guests and dignitaries to the center, this event is also a celebration of our highly skilled and professional engineers and their contributions to our technology development.

The event will be operated in a casual mixer style with food, drinks and giveaways. There will also be a guest speaker presentation from Dr. Ami Appelbaum, Chairman of the Innovation Authority and Chief Scientist at the Ministry of Economy and Industry in Israel, who will discuss “Smart Mobility – Israel’s Potential, Opportunities and Risks.” In addition, guests will have the opportunity to meet the team, network and view demonstrations of the LeddarVision™ sensor fusion and perception platform. This platform enables Level 2-5 ADAS and AD on-road and off-road vehicles. LeddarVision combines AI and computer vision technologies and deep neural networks with computational efficiency to scale up the performance of ADAS/AD sensors and hardware essential for planning the driving path while providing safer autonomous driving with better detection.

“I am very proud to host this event in Israel,” stated Mr. Charles Boulanger, CEO of LeddarTech. “Our team in Israel, supported by our R&D facilities in Quebec and Ontario, has done an extraordinary job developing groundbreaking raw data fusion and perception technology.” Mr. Boulanger continued: “The Sensor Fusion and Perception Development Center in Tel Aviv marks a real achievement for LeddarTech as we continue to expand and engage with some of the best talent in the world,” Mr. Boulanger concluded.

About LeddarTech

Founded in 2007, LeddarTech is a comprehensive end-to-end environmental sensing company that enables customers to solve critical sensing, fusion and perception challenges across the entire value chain. LeddarTech provides cost-effective perception solutions scalable from Level 2 ADAS to Level 5 full autonomy with LeddarVision™, a raw-data sensor fusion and perception platform that generates a comprehensive 3D environmental model from a variety of sensor types and configurations. LeddarTech also supports LiDAR manufacturers and Tier 1-2 automotive suppliers with key technology building blocks such as LeddarSteer™ digital beam steering and the LeddarEngine™, which is built on LeddarTech’s Leddar™ technology employing patented signal acquisition and processing techniques to generate a richer and cleaner return signal at a lower cost. The LeddarEngine comprises a highly integrated, scalable LiDAR SoC and software combination that enables LiDAR developers and Tier 1-2 automotive suppliers to design their LiDAR solutions. The company is responsible for several innovations in cutting-edge automotive and mobility remote-sensing applications, with over 120 patented technologies (granted or pending) enhancing ADAS and autonomous driving capabilities.

Additional information about LeddarTech is accessible at www.leddartech.com and on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and YouTube.

Contact:
Daniel Aitken, Vice-President, Global Marketing, Communications and Investor Relations, LeddarTech Inc.
Tel.: + 1-418-653-9000 ext. 232 daniel.aitken@leddartech.com

Investor relations contact: InvestorRelations@leddartech.com
https://investors.leddartech.com/

Leddar, LeddarTech, LeddarSteer, LeddarEngine, LeddarVision, LeddarSP, LeddarCore, LeddarEcho, VAYADrive, VayaVision, XLRator and related logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of LeddarTech Inc. and its subsidiaries. All other brands, product names and marks are or may be trademarks or registered trademarks used to identify products or services of their respective owners.