Standard Bank has been instrumental in funding more than 940MW of renewable energy as part of Eskom’s Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPP) initiated by government. Of these projects, three were connected to the Eskom grid in 2013 bringing 121.5MW of renewable energy production to the national grid. This is enough to power over 65,000 homes. “The drive towards renewable energy is developing an entirely new energy market in South Africa, which requires both specialist skills as well as innovative funding models,” said Rentia van Tonder, Head of Renewables for Standard Bank.“Given that these projects are greenfield investments…
Author: Editor
Eskom has emerged as the overall winner of the 2014 Nkonki SOC (state-owned companies) Integrated Reporting Awards. This is the third year in succession that Eskom has received this coveted accolade. Eskom also scooped the first prize in the integrated reporting and disclosure categories. These awards recognise state-owned companies that have excelled in integrated reporting in South Africa during 2013. Eskom’s reports have sought to provide all stakeholders with a complete, independent and transparent account of Eskom’s accomplishments, challenges and future priorities. Eskom Group Executive for Sustainability Dr Steve Lennon accepted the awards on behalf of the company and said…
Botswana’s rising stars continue to paint the country in a positive light. The most recent opportunity to fly the country’s flag high comes in the form of a group of young Batswana set to attend the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) programme in the United States. 15 representatives from Botswana have been selected to attend the programme to be held at various locales within the United States. The program is set to bring together 500 of Africa’s most promising young leaders to top US universities for a 6-week academic and leadership institute in one of three areas: business and entrepreneurship; civic leadership;…
in Sub Saharan Africa need to bolster their efforts to create more conducive climates for investment from Independent Power Producers (IPPs) if they are to remedy their severe shortfall in power generating capacity, according to Standard Bank Group, Africa’s biggest lender by assets and market capitalization. “Africa’s deficit in power generating capacity is well documented but what is not always realised is that unless this is addressed timeously, other crucial investment activities cannot be actioned,” said Mr David Humphrey, global head of power and infrastructure at Standard Bank. “African governments need to make every effort to create a conducive climate…
In line with its vision of positioning Botswana as a leading destination of innovation in Africa, Botswana Innovation Hub has sponsored the mHealth Innovation Competition to the value of P40 000. Premised on escalating healthcare costs, this youth competition endeavours to use the growth of mobile technology and social media to address healthcare challenges. Said Tigele Mokobi, Botswana Innovation Hub PR Manager, “Botswana Innovation Hub in collaboration with the Southern Africa Innovation Support (SAiS) programme, has realised the importance of filling in the gaps in the country’s healthcare system through the use of mobile technology. The shortage of healthcare workers…
BCL, the Selebi Phikwe based copper/nickel miner says it has amicably agreed on the revised employment conditions and has signed a substantive agreement with the BCL Citizen Senior Staff Union (BCSSU) on Monday 16th June 2014. The salary increases will effect from 1 April 2014. Under the agreement, the salary increment entails a 30/70 split (30% across the board and 70% performance based increase) translating into increases ranging from 1.8% to 8% on actual basic salaries for employees in this Union’s bargaining unit. “This is an aggregate increase of 6% on actual basic salaries for employees in this category. This…
Firestone Diamonds plc has made changes to its Board of Directors in line with its transition to the development and construction phase of the Liqhobong Diamond Mine in the Lesotho Highlands. The UK based diamond company has named Ken Owen as an independent Non-executive Director and Niall Young as Pacific Road Capital’s nominated Non-executive Director of the Company. In addition, Julian Treger today will be stepping down from the Board to focus on his other business interests. Chairman of Firestone Diamonds, Lucio Genovese said the changes to the company’s board are in line with the strategy as it positions itself…
Lansmore Masa Square has brought a taste of the FIFA World Cup to Gaborone through rooftop screenings at Absolut Gaborone. Igniting the passion of local football fans, Lansmore is live screening all 64 games of the most anticipated sporting event in the world. Batswana have already begun to enjoy the benefits of the massive 3x3m screens at the hottest venue in the Gaborone, with an increasing turnout even on chilly winter nights. There’s a draw for all, as loyal football fans, as well as those simply looking to enjoy the atmosphere of the cheering fans, sip on crafted drinks and cocktails while rooting for their team. “We’re a…
The Minister of Environment, Wildlife and Tourism, Tshekedi Khama will on 19th June 2014 lead a delegation to the UNESCO World Heritage Committee 38th Session taking place from 15th -25th June, 2014 in Doha, Qatar. Botswana is a State Party to the UNESCO World Heritage Convention or the UNESCO 1972 Convention concerning the protection of the world cultural and natural heritage of outstanding universal value. “It is at this Session that Botswana in hopeful that its Nomination of the Okavango Delta for World Heritage Listing will be successful,” the ministry said in a statement. The Nomination was in accordance with…
With 19 designated spectator points along the route the Toyota Kalahari Botswana 1000 Desert Race, round four and the halfway point of the Donaldson Cross Country Championship, the thousands of enthusiasts expected to watch the race from June 27 to 29 will be well catered for. The event is the biggest social and sporting event of the year in Botswana, with locals and visitors from South Africa and neighbouring territories turning out in their droves to catch the action. After being based at Kumakwane, on the outskirts of Gaborone, for a number of years the race has moved to Jwaneng,…