Africa day 2016
May, a calendar month known across Africa as an Africa month, notes the formation of the African Union (AU) formerly known as the Organisation of African Unity (OAU). On 25 May 2016, the African Union celebrated 53 years since its formation in 1963. South Africa joined the AU in 1994 after the introduction of the equity government and so Africa Day 2016 marked the celebration of 22 years since the country’s reintegration into the OAU/AU and the international community. The Western Cape government released a statement on the 24 May 2016 indicating that the WC Premier Helen Zille would be joining the Africa day celebration to be held at the Arts cape theatre in Cape Town and would deliver the official opening address at 13:00. Premier Helen Zille was joined by Finance Minister Ivan Meyer, who is also responsible for international relations. Celebration activities during the day included performances, food tasting, etc.
Africa Utility Week 2016
The Africa Utility Week and Clean power Africa (AUW) is an annual event; this year’s (2016) edition was held in Cape Town at the Cape Town International Convention Center (CTICC). It is a global meeting place, conference and trade exhibition for African power and water utility professionals and claims to offer a unique networking opportunity for engineers, stakeholders and solution providers alike. With water and energy being at the center of the economic crisis, not only in South Africa, but the African continent at large, the conference received a lot of momentum from industries and government, and had a fair share of media coverage. Our own Dr Hildegarde Fast from the Western Cape's Economic Development and Tourism Department was also in attendance at the conference where she talked about the Energy Security Game Changer and share views about energy in the Western Cape. The Airports Company of South Africa also won an award for the George Airport Solar Plant at the African Utility Week 2016 Industry Awards. More winners are on the Africa utility week website. The City of Cape Town also received praise from delegates for its resource efficiency consciousness. Tilden Hellyer, Research Analyst of Frost & Sullivan was speaking to the media when he highlighted the Bay Side Mall in Table view as a positive case of Waste, Energy and water crisis intervention. It’s merely arguable that there is more to be done in Western Cape and South Africa about green versus economic development and South Africa is regarded as being full of such opportunities. We congratulate the organisers of the event, sponsors and other stakeholders on its success and all the award winners and nominees from all over the African continent.
World Economic Forum on Africa 2016
The World Economic Forum 2016 was held in Kigali, Rwanda from the 11th to the 13th of May 2016. World leaders from public and private sectors, business, civil society and other sectors came together to engage in meaningful discussions that will promote partnerships between the government and private sector for inclusive growth and sustainable development in Africa and globally. Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa accompanied by Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan attended the 3 day summit, along with other South African significant industry role players including the South African Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) CEO Geoffrey Qhena. See full article on the 110% Green website.
UCT Divestment Workshop 2016
Fossil Free UCT recently held a workshop at the University of Cape Town to debate the University’s investments culture. Fossil Free UCT is a campaign largely supported by UCT students, staff and alumni and brings much attention to the issues surrounding climate change in south Africa, Africa and globally. The notion was that the academic institution reviews its investments paths and adopts a more ethical investment direction where climate change/ environment is concerned. The issue of climate change is a growing concern to the global economy, as it affects food security, resource depletion, etc., it is not only UCT that needs to think divestment and drive the change towards clean investments but businesses and governments across sectors. The positive thing about this workshop is that Fossil Free UCT has initiated a dialogue; noting this as a priority phenomenon that needs to be addressed. This is probably the first of many discussions that will be held in quest to get industries to adopt and adapt to fair practises that favour the environment and that promise a sustainable future in terms of our resources and economy. Learn more about the campaign here.
Meanwhile Uber has announced and launched UberGreen pilot in JHB, an offering of Uber services in 100% Green/ electric vehicles at normal Uber rates. Keep your eyes peeled, UberGreen will be in Cape Town soon.
The shared vision of establishing Africa as an economic hub and harmonious community has been kept much alive this past month [may]. The month of May has truly provided an opportunity to celebrate African solidarity, friendship, a common humanity and destiny.